Metaverse Integration in Academic Libraries: A Library Tour for First-Year Students in Academic Research and Learning

This paper explores the integration of a metaverse within Chiang Mai University Library, presenting a comprehensive evaluation that combines quantitative metrics and insights. The study involved the active participation of firstyear students through online platforms, utilizing Meta Quest 2 equipment. The Satisfaction Questionnaire, administered to students from various faculties, reveals a high level of user satisfaction across key dimensions, including User Interface, Content Relevance, Interactive Features, Accessibility, and Overall Satisfaction. The metaverse’s success in enriching the academic experience is evident, as indicated by positive mean scores and low standard deviations, reflecting a consensus among users. Future research directions include exploring enhanced interactivity, developing personalized content strategies, and conducting longitudinal impact studies. However, certain limitations, such as sample size constraints, technological considerations, and the learning curve associated with navigating virtual environments, are acknowledged. This study contributes to the growing discourse on metaverse applications in academic libraries, providing valuable insights for continuous refinement and optimization.