Library shelves have long presented an opportunity for patrons to escape the real world in the pages of a good book. But at libraries all over California, visitors can travel into a whole new reality.
In recent weeks, virtual reality stations have been rolling out to more than 90 libraries throughout the state, through a partnership announced in June between the California State Library, VR developer Oculus, and nonprofit library consortium Califa. To be part of this pilot program, libraries had to demonstrate that they were good candidates. That meant establishing an open space where headset-wearing VR users can explore without bumping into patrons who are sticking to a strictly “meatspace” library experience. Eligible libraries also needed to be able to ensure that staffers would be on hand to show visitors how to get the most out of the equipment, and to keep it clean between uses.
So reality is a “meatspace.”
