15-20 Minute Paper
Biographies
Brian Greenspan is an Associate Professor in the Department of English and the doctoral program in Cultural Mediations at Carleton University. He is the designer and founding director of the Hypertext and Hypermedia Lab, and co-‐designer of the first “live” and “locative” hypernarrative systems.
Anabel Quan-Haase is Associate Professor of Information and Media Studies and Sociology at the University of Western Ontario. Current research investigates the uses of technology and the effects of technology on society.
Kim Martin is a PhD Candidate in Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario. Her research interests include the use of Ebooks by Humanist Scholars and the role of serendipity in the research process of the historian.
Abstract
This paper reflects on the role the physical library plays in research by humanities scholars, and demonstrates a need for research tools that help to create an atmosphere that enhances the possibility of a chance encounter with information in digital collections. Google recently announced the introduction of the Knowledge Path into its standard search capabilities, with the aim of increasing the likelihood of serendipitous encounters on the web, emulating the experience of browsing the physical stacks and making an unanticipated find.
We propose a model for enhancing the library experience by augmenting the bookshelf with ambient data based on previous research into the use of digital resources by humanities scholars. We are proposing to develop “LookAround”, a resource discovery tool for real and virtual research libraries and archives that will combine the benefits of physical stack searches with assisted web browsing, integrating physical and digital information in a seamless, intuitive interface.
LookAround will enhance the research process by allowing users to interact with the physical features of the library. Searches conducted via Google or traditional library catalogues usually point users toward a simple list of potential resources. LookAround will encourage scholars to explore information through an augmented interface that comprises automated data mining tools, dynamic processing, and situational guides in a hand-‐held, touchscreen device.