As a result of an increase in 3D and virtual reality technology needs at the University Park campus, The Pennsylvania State University Libraries chose to implement a VR lab in the fall of 2018. In this presentation, we will walk participants through our process of establishing and operating a virtual reality lab within the Pattee and Paterno Library. We’ll discuss the technology and software featured in the lab, how a service model was established and is maintained, how staffing and hours of operation are managed, and how data is collected and used for assessment. All of these steps required collaboration between subject librarians, technology specialists, and staff from across the library system. Since the lab has been open for an entire year, we will review our experiences and recommendations for establishing a new VR service, as well as outline our goals for the next several years. The presentation will include engaging discussion surrounding how libraries can be at the forefront of access to virtual reality technology and what kind of collaboration is required to make a VR program successful.
