Monday, October 23, 2017

Hear how one academic library recently invested in the creation of a Virtual Learning Lab, an innovative library learning space featuring cutting-edge zSpace virtual reality (VR) technology. The speakers address the exciting timeline of events that took place in order to make the launch of this brand new library space and equipment a success on campus. They examine the development of the lab and the technology selection, the marketing launch and efforts to engage and sustain interest, how librarians developed instruction methods for the zSpace technology, and how partnerships are developing with academic departments on campus to integrate virtual learning into their curriculum. Then hear how another university library linked the idea of transformative learning experiences with the creation of a VR-based makerspace. The idea was to have a complete ecosystem where students could create digital objects, view them in VR, and, in some cases, print them out. After 9 months in operation, hear their lessons learned and practical advice for anyone wishing to implement similar technologies in their own libraries.