Virtual reality (VR) can offer interactive experiences at the library that engage users. Various VR headsets use screens and sensors to immerse users in 3D environments. Libraries can provide VR experiences using affordable mobile headsets or more advanced PC-based systems. Suggested library VR programs explore art, travel, science, and stories to educate and entertain patrons. Careful planning is needed to test equipment and activities.

1. GET IN THE
GAME
Virtual Reality

2. GET IN THE
GAME
Virtual Reality
Amy Dalton – Johnson County Public Library, Indiana
adalton@jcplin.org

3. Why VR at the Library?
• We are often the technology “petting zoo” for the
public.
• Can offer interactive exploration of topics.
• Engages even reluctant users.
• Can be physically as well as mentally active.

4. How does it all work?
The headset uses 3D split screen to trick your eyes.
Images fill your field of vision to immerse you in the
environment.
Various sensors and controllers track movements
and allow you to interact with the scene and move
through the images.
360 degree images allow you to turn around, so that
you are surrounded by the scene, tricking your brain
even further into believing the illusion.

5. What do you need?
• A headset
• Either a cell phone with an internal gyro or
• A computer that fits the specs for your headset and
• Whatever sensors go with your headset and
• Whatever handheld controller(s) works with your
headset or a bluetooth controller for your cell phone

6. Cell Phone VR Samsung Gear
• App Based, works with
Android and Apple phones
• Inexpensive
• Don’t need a PC or
Gaming Console
• Can get cardboard
headsets super cheap and
even printed with the
library logo.
• Works with Samsung
phones
• Powered by Oculus, so
there are lots of popular
games, like Minecraft
• More expensive
• Can play Google
Cardboard apps
Headset Options

7. Daydream Oculus Rift
• Only works with Google
phones like the Pixel
• Very comfortable
• Works with Cardboard
apps
• Limited Daydream
exclusive content—but you
do get the Fantastic Beasts
app!
• $$$
• Great quality and controls
• Handheld “Touch”
controls and camera
sensors
• Lots of content, but games
can be pricey
• Need a decent gaming PC
to run the software
Headset Options

8. HTC VIVE Playstation VR
• Has a ton on content
available on STEAM
platform
• Need a decent gaming PC
• $$$$
• Handheld controls and
“lighthouse” sensors
• Works with PS4
• Need hand held controls
and a camera
• $$$
• Not a ton of games yet, but
some great ones like
Batman and Star Wars
Headset Options

9. Microsoft Win10 VR
RAZR OSVR
(open source)
• Late 2017
• Will not need base stations
to track motion/space
• Less expensive models
• Works with lowered PC
specs
• Potential to be the Xbox VR
headset
• For software developers
• Works for consumers as
well, but RAZR recommends
the Vuzix iWear for casual
users
• Works with STEAM, Vireio,
Dolphin and can be
unofficially used with Rift
content
More Headset Options

10. Fove VR Don’t rule out Viewmaster
• Uses eye tracking, not head
motions. This is it’s “big
deal” feature.
• Excellent clarity
• Works with STEAM as well
as it’s own platform
• Cheap and durable.
• Works with most phones
• Shows up on most of the
“best VR headsets” lists
• New model has updated
optics
Even More Headset Options

11. What to do with your headset
• Watch videos in 360 degree 3D
• Play immersive games
• Walk through places, like Mars or the human body!
• For phone VR, use apps like Trinus VR and Tridef
3D to allow your phone to play VR content from
your PC. Yes, this is how you can play STEAM
games and even Minecraft and other PC games
• There is conversion software for PC headsets, too

12. Programming
• A basic “introduction to VR”
• Can hand out cardboard headsets
• Demo apps, flying and roller coasters work well for phones, Tilt
brush or other art programs are great for PC linked headsets
• Fun to do at outreach events, can even create a VR tour of your
library

13. Programming
Art and other creative programs can be enhanced
with VR games that let you create in 3D, and
museum and artist walkthroughs
 Explore a virtual artifact and its history and then re-create it as
a craft
 Listen to music, and then use a VR piano or drum
 Talk about architecture or building then take a VR tour or use a
sandbox program to create a structure

14. Programming
Virtual travel
 Use with book discussions and story times to visit the setting of
the story
 Have a VR tour as part of a “Night in…” program
 Enhance cultural programming with walkthroughs of the
places you are presenting
 Don’t limit just to earth, explore outer space, or inside the
body!

15. Programming
Science!
 Virtual safaris and nature walks, including dinosaurs
 Lots of anatomy software for all platforms
 Physics games like Bounce can be tied to real world
experiments
 Chemistry games like Sokobond or Molecule introduce
chemical bonds

16. Programming Tips
• Always test everything beforehand (I know you will)
• Determine time limits, as equipment will be limited
• Watch your group size
• Have activities for attendees who are waiting
• Always check for new software, items are added
frequently

17. Programming Tips

18. Programming Tips
HTC
Amazing kid paint
Apollo 11
Cooltour Italy
Discovery VR
Edmersive
Eye of the Owl Heironymous Bosch
Fantastic Contraption
Go for Launch Mercury
Paint Lab
Realities
Stanford Ocean Acidification Experiment
Stars
The Blu

19. Programming Tips
Rift
BBC Earth Cat Flight
Discover Western Australia
Discovering Space
Fantastic Contraptions
Native American Virtual History Museum
Nature Treks
Rapid Fire Brief History of Flight
Star Charts
The Blu
Through the Ages President Obama Celebrates National Parks
Tilt Brush

20. Programming Tips