Bookbots is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) app designed to enhance library experience at Tūranga Library by providing a self-guided, interactive wayfinding system. The app blends education with entertainment, allowing users to navigate the building while engaging with themed adventures. Users started the experience from a single location but lessons learnt has been incorporated into the upgraded version to allow flexibility to begin anywhere in the library to streamline the process and increase engagement.
The app's adaptability, supported by a content management system, enables staff to create custom experiences, such as Matariki themed adventures. This has encouraged broader staff involvement and sparked interest from other council departments. With over 4,300 participants in a holiday program and with a ranking of 46th in entertainment apps on the App Store, Bookbots has proven to be a cost-effective, efficient tool for enhancing visitor engagement and public service interaction.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTlqMytcUk4
https://www.maggle-creative.com/bookbots
https://x.com/chchLibLearning/status/1811249795891437708