New and expanded services and spaces are now available through the Marriott Library’s VR Services Department.

1 . VR Arena Located on the 2nd Floor of the Marriott Library (MLIB 2750), the VR Arena is dedicated to providing walkup access. No schedule is needed to use the space and it is accessible whenever the library is open. The arena features NZXT PCs and Valve Index VR systems. The VR Arena also has a dedicated 25’ X 50’ open-lab to experience, develop, and research in VR with stand-alone headsets such as the Oculus (Meta) Quest. The Arena is not reservable but exceptions can be made for special events.

2. VR Classrooms In 2019, the library built the first dedicated curricular-classroom in the United States (MLIB 1009). For 2021-2022, we have expanded our original classroom to include a second VR curricular-classroom (MLIB 1008). Both classrooms are located in close proximity to all other teaching classrooms in the library. Each room has 8 NZXT PCs along with Valve Index VR systems, and large display connected to Crestron interface. The VR Classrooms must be reserved to use, but are open to students, staff, & faculty.

3. VR Mobile Classroom Available by special request, the VR Mobile Classroom stems from a CARES funded collaboration between the College of Biological Sciences, the Marriott Library, and UOnline. The VR Mobile Classroom was originally conceived to support Dr. Colleen Farmer’s 3000 level anatomy course during the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic. The classroom features 40 VR-ready laptops paired with 40 Oculus Quest 2 with Link Cables. The VR Mobile Classroom is available for long-term checkout use by faculty wishing to teach extended reality-based courses.

4. VR Checkout Services The library has a robust VR Checkout service. Oculus (Meta) Quest 2, Vive Pro, Playstation VR. All equipment is available for student checkout and currently available for a 30 day loan period. A great way to gain early experience in the metaverse is to take home an HMD to experience in the privacy of your own personal space.

5. VR For Meetings The members of Creativity & Innovation Services have spent the last 18 months meeting weekly in VR. The pandemic opened up the opportunity to stay connected socially, while we were physically separated. Immersive meetings offer break-out gatherings without leaving the room and just feel like a more natural way to meet. If you would like to explore VR for your department or group, please reach out!

To connect with us about VR Services, contact New Media Project Specialist Tony Sams at tony.sams@utah.edu