Apr 18, 2022 / No. 157
On March 14, the metaverse was implemented at Ajou University’s Central Library through Gather Town. Metaverse is a compound word made up of “meta”, which means virtual, and “universe”, and refers to a three-dimensional virtual world where social, economic, and cultural activities similar to the real world take place. Gather Town is a metaverse platform that helps people communicate by video and microphone. Students can visit the Metaverse Library through their desktop (not through mobile) through the notice board of the website of the central library. A reporter from The Ajou Globe (The AG), experienced it herself.
Searching activity
When students go to the “Reading Room” of the Metaverse Library and go in front of the data search computer or bulletin board and press the X button on keyboard, the data search window or notice window on the library’s website appears as a pop-up. The reporter said, “It was more interesting than simply searching data directly on the library’s website, and I felt like I was in the real library.”
Learning activity
When students go to the “Study Room” of the Metaverse Library, they can enter a study room or seminar room. If the student goes around the seat, the phrase “You have entered private space” appears, and the student can communicate on video by turning on the microphone and camera. For students who are lazy to go to the real library or have difficulty going to the real library due to the distance, going to the Metaverse Library would be a good way to study together with friends.
Hands-on game activity
The Metaverse Library has prepared a space for various hands-on game activities catering to students’ interests. Upon entering the “Reading Room”, students will encounter an event zone next to the multimedia zone on the right side of the first floor. Inside, students can write wish tree guest books, play library education O/X quizzes, and room escape games. The reporter also wrote “Please read a lot of The AG’s English newspapers.” on the wish tree guest book. Ajou University’s Central Library also held a lottery from March 14 to 27 to give prizes to students who participated in each of these experience activities and received certification. Even after the event, the hands-on game activities remained available. For reference, cafe “027 Lounge” next to the library is also implemented in the metaverse. It would be fun to go to the cafe too.
The good things the reporter felt after experiencing the Metaverse Library were as follows: One could have a video conference, one did not have to pay much attention to decorating my character before accessing it, and one could easily check announcements. On the other hand, what disappointed the reporter was that it was difficult to find her way around. However, students can check their location in real time using the map. The AG recommends students to experience the Metaverse Library.
By Noh Hyun-jin, AG Reporter
noh0605@ajou.ac.kr
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