An Event-Based Framework for Virtual Libraries

Virtual libraries have become essential parts of remote learning and working. This paper proposes an event-based framework, called eLIB, for virtual libraries with a focus on the connection between the reality and its virtualization where book placement in the virtual world directly reflects its recent location in the real world. The proposed framework has a presentation layer for users to browse through floors, bookshelves and books. A simple 2D and event-based mechanism uses real images of bookshelves and books instead of creating 3D virtual and augmented reality. This approach can provide adequate virtual user experience without overloading the system and networks compared with typical virtual and augmented reality systems. Each click by users generates an event which is handled by a corresponding Event Handler. The services in eLIB are provided as responses to various events or chains of events. The framework also has a unit to match a book spine image to its content description in the library catalog.