Libraries and Virtual Reality

Lyn Hay and Bob Pymm presented an interesting case study on how one information studies program used Second Life for distance education. Second Life is a virtual reality program and many organizations are making use of it including San Jose State University and Sheffield University. Students are enjoying the virtual classrooms and presentations, including guest lectures. There are also social areas where students gather, giving them an opportunity to socialize with their fellow distance learners. “From an educator’s perspective, SIS faculty agree the level of immersion, engagement and feeling of ‘connectedness’ with both the environment and people are affordances that make Second Life an attractive learning environment for them to teach and learn with students, other educators and Second Life residents” (Hay 195). While it took some time for both students and faculty to become familiar with the virtual world the feedback the researchers received was positive. 

This page gives some other exciting ways that libraries are using virtual reality: http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2016/02/virtual-reality-in-the-library-creating-a-new-experience/

For a truly beautiful example of an immersive experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bidj-MevdOs

Sources:

Hay, Lyn, and Bob Pymm. "Real Learning in a Virtual World: A Case Study of the School of Information Studies' Learning Centre in Second Life." Education for Information 28.2-4 (2010): 187-202. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.

Public domain images are from Pixabay.