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Bringing Ragnall to life in Waterford Libraries

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Designed by Walton Institute, the RagnallAR mobile app brings Waterford Library’s famous Ragnall mascot to schools and homes.

Waterford Libraries and Walton Institute at Southeast Technological University (SETU) are proud to announce the launch of the RagnallAR mobile app. Funded by Creative Waterford and developed by the extended reality team in Walton Institute in collaboration with Waterford Libraries, the mobile app uses augmented reality to bring a life-size model of Waterford Libraries mascot, Ragnall, to whichever physical location that the user is in. This means it is possible to have Ragnall appear in schools, homes, gardens and even on holidays. The app allows Ragnall to be moved around a location and different animations can be triggered such as Ragnall waving. Individuals can also pose for a photo with the virtual life sized Ragnall using the app.

The launch was held in the Ardkeen Library on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 as part of the celebrations for National Public Libraries Open Day with the Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford, Councillor Joe Kelly.

Stephen Barnes, Extended Reality Lab Manager in Walton Institute, spoke about bringing his love of technology and reading together in one exciting project.  “As a voracious reader and having spent a lot of my childhood in the library, this project was close to my heart. It offered a unique opportunity for our team to showcase what we can offer in an accessible, easy to use example that shall bring fun to the community whilst also bolstering interests in visiting Waterford Libraries. It is my hope that this app can help people to see the possible applications of this technology and that it is not just restricted to headsets. We are already brimming with ideas for features that we can add which will enrich the library experience for people. I can’t wait to work on the next chapter with Waterford Libraries.”

Sinead O’Higgins, Senior Executive Librarian with Waterford Libraries was delighted with the collaboration and possibilities for interactive technologies in piquing the interest in reading. “Here at Waterford Libraries, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Stephen and his colleagues in the Mixed Reality Lab in Walton Institute a SETU. It has opened our eyes to the possibilities that new technologies can have on our library services and our communities. We are very excited to see Ragnall, our popular library mascot, in AR format and we have already been inspired to think about what we can co-create with the Walton Institute next!”

It is envisaged that this project shall expand to include additional features to encourage people to visit their local library as well as for children to pick up or continue the wonderful lifelong habit of reading.

National Public Libraries open Day celebrates the valuable work of Public Libraries in Ireland and invites you to ‘Take a Closer Look’ at your local library. Libraries offer over 12 million books, eBooks, audiobooks, online courses, games and other items. You can order books from any library to be delivered to your local library for pick up and drop off your returns at any library in Ireland. Membership is free and there are no longer any late fees for items borrowed.

The app is currently available to use on devices in Waterford Libraries and can be downloaded from the android play store. Keep an eye on the Apple app store as it will be available for download very soon.

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