Virtual Reality in Libraries
In the article, “Making Virtual Reality a Reality,” Anne Ford, American Libraries editor focuses on VR usage and services at North Carolina State University Library.
I wasn’t even aware that libraries provided this type of service because of the price for technology and equipment since most libraries have budget constraints, but it makes sense to have and provide services for VR handsets and projects at academic libraries due to education, computer science innovations and modern technology design exploration.
North Carolina State University Library created a VR project known as the MLK Project that enables library users to can experience a re-creation of Martin Luther King Jr. speaking to a crowd at White Rock Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina urging his supporters to continue nonviolent action while demanding their equal rights.
VR is a service that can be used in many fields to educate or provide knowledge by using modern technology to visual display situations or places that might have never been seen or visually demonstrated. Some examples can be archeological sites that have not been accessible to modern society due to the fragile state of the environment or artifacts. In the medical field or the sciences headsets can be used for teaching techniques/purposes such as performing surgeries. VR headsets can be used in the different field beside computer technology and design, certain fields like psychology and education can benefit in VR uses.
NCSU Library began lending Oculus Rift VR headsets in 2014 but soon realized that users needed specific floor space designated at the library to properly explore and use headsets. After the first VR headset purchased in 2014, the NCSU Library quickly acquired and added HTC Vive to their services. A VR Usability Lab was located near a library service staff desk to support with troubleshooting.
It is very crucial for libraries to invest in good VR headsets and high-performance computers that can power VR headsets. For the most part, NCSU Library has not had major constraints with VR services, since students and faculty appreciate and take good care of VR headsets and computers.
Different ways VR headsets can be used:
Work Cited:
Ford, Anne. American Libraries. Sep/Oct2017, Vol. 48 Issue 9/10, p20-21. 2p. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts: http://web.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=2&sid=efaf9b1e-b8be-4646-900a-bbe3a06500ed%40sessionmgr4008. Accessed: 26 Apr. 2018.
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