In Broward County, the library of the future is already a reality-- virtual reality, that is.
Published: March 28, 2019
In Broward County, the library of the future is already a reality — virtual reality, that is.
AR/VR headsets, a new medium for learning and discovery experiences, are now available for checkout at nine library locations. Cardholders can use the phone-powered devices made by MERGE to access thousands of VR experiences online. Plus, the MERGE Miniverse content portal streams more than 300 kid-safe VR and 360 video experiences from sources such as NASA, National Geographic and Disney directly onto smartphones.
Participating branches include the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, Carver Ranches in West Park, Deerfield Beach, Hallandale Beach, Pompano Beach, Southwest Regional Library in Pembroke Pines, Stirling Road in Hollywood, Sunrise and Tamarac.
The novel pilot program follows the launch of another innovation late last year — the MERGE Cube — which gives users the futuristic opportunity to learn, create and actually hold in the palm of their hand such virtual objects as the solar system, fossils and ancient artifacts. Cubes are available for checkout at 36 of 38 locations.
One more technological advance, the Digital Memory Lab, kicked off the year at the Weston Library, making it one of only seven in the country to offer the free service. The lab offers instruction and equipment to preserve photographs, slides, audio tapes and VHS and VHS-C video tapes by converting them to digital format. Orientation sessions are a prerequisite for using the professional-grade equipment. Free digital-preservation classes are also available.
The branch is at 4205 Bonaventure Blvd. Call 954-357-5420 to register for classes and lab use.
