Libraries in the Metaverse: A Systematic Review with a Focus on Public Libraries

The rise of immersive technologies has led to increased academic discussion about libraries in the metaverse. However, there is limited literature specifically focusing on public libraries. This study conducts a systematic review of research on libraries in the metaverse, with particular attention to public libraries. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 46 peer-reviewed studies were identified through systematic database searches, screened, and thematically synthesized for this review. The findings show that, although there has been substantial conceptual and exploratory research in this area, the focus has mainly been on academic libraries rather than public libraries. Current metaverse-based initiatives primarily focus on immersive education, remote reference services, cultural programming, and access to technology. However, these efforts are mostly experimental and have rarely been evaluated for long-term sustainability. Additionally, issues related to privacy, platform dependence, and information justice have been widely acknowledged in ethical discussions but remain underexplored. Based on this evidence, the study identifies key conceptual and methodological gaps, synthesizes ethical and information justice perspectives, and develops a conceptual framework for public libraries in the metaverse that incorporates ethics, information justice, and public values across strategic, service, and governance dimensions.