Virtual Reality (VR) allows users to experience immersive environments in three dimensions. The Shiley School of Engineering generously provided support for the Library’s Virtual Reality workstation. The following highlights the hardware, software, and policies of the Clark Library’s VR unit.
Equipment
- HTC Vive (2 controllers, headset, and headphones)
- Windows Lenovo Desktop workstation
Applications
This table lists the available VR applications for use in the Library:
| Geography: | |
| Google Earth VR | Allows users to explore the globe. |
| Psychology: | |
| Becoming Homeless: A Human Experience by Stanford University | Users experience the difficulties and challenges of living without a home. |
| Biology: | |
| The Body VR: Journey Inside a Cell | Educational tour of the anatomy of a cell. |
| The Stanford Ocean
Acidification Experience |
Users experience an underwater tour showing the effects of carbon dioxide. |
| YOU by Sharecare | Gives the ability to explore a 3D model of the body. |
| Art: | |
| Altar Show | Productivity tool using memory to power design thinking in three dimensions. |
| Blocks by Google | Users create simple 3D designs. |
| Google Tilt Brush | Allows users to paint in three dimensions. |
| The Night Café: A VR | Users can explore the virtual canvases of Vincent Van Gogh. |
| The VR Museum of Fine Art | Let users explore works of art in a virtual museum. |
| Astronomy: | |
| Buzz Aldrin: Cycling Pathways to Mars | This Buzz Aldrin collaboration features a virtual tour of a possible Mars exploration. |
| Titans of Space 2.0 | Users ride through an authentic miniature Solar System. |
| Exploration: | |
| Edmersiv | Provides users with immersive environments including a coliseum and a laboratory. |
| The Lab | This compendium of games allows users to explore a variety of virtual environments including a medieval castle and mountaintop. |
Reservations
Visit the Digital Lab Service Desk (Library Upper Floor) to reserve the VR unit. The VR unit is available during the Lab’s hours of operation.
Policies
The Clark Library VR workstation is available to current UP students, faculty, and staff.
Safety Tips
- Place all components (headset and controllers) on the mobile workstation when not in use to prevent fall damage.
- Be mindful of headset and headphone cables.
- Secure controllers using wrist straps.
- Please note: VR products contain visual effects and light flashes. These may trigger the following :
- epileptic seizures,
- fainting or dizziness.
- Speak to a physician before using the VR equipment if you have a pre-existing medical condition (e.g. epilepsy, heart ailment, anxiety disorders, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Remove VR headset if nausea or discomfort develop during use.