Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Virtual reality to become reality
Imagine defending friends from zombies or riding around on a roller coaster, all in the comfort of your local library.
Virtual reality games are coming to Blenheim and Picton’s libraries, alongside 3D printers and ‘‘tech kits’’ such as e-Readers and robot kits, as part of a technology overhaul.
New Zealand libraries were handed $58.8 million in last year’s Covid-19 Budget to keep librarians in work and open specialist library services for schools and young people.
The Marlborough District Council received $15,000 and used some of the funds to purchase six Quest 2 headsets – the latest in virtual reality technology.
Virtual reality, also known as VR, is an interactive computergenerated experience that creates environments similar to, or not possible, in the real world.
District libraries manager Glenn Webster said the council planned to launch its new virtual reality sets in September.
‘‘We’re really excited because it will add a whole new dimension to our learning programmes at the library.’’
The sets were capable of loading thousands of games and experiences, but the council would load just a small number at a time, starting with about 10 apps.
The council was still considering what apps to include. It had also yet to develop policies around how often the devices would be available to the public, and for how long.
But Webster said the sets would be free to use.
Each library would have three virtual reality headsets.
Both libraries would also receive a printer capable of ‘‘printing’’ materials such as corn starch, tapioca roots or sugarcane on top of one another to create any 3D shape.
Customers would be able to use the machines to print durable and biodegradable objects for 20 cents a gram – but not without the library staff first checking the design.
Users over the age of 16 years old could also borrow out ‘‘tech kits’’ ranging from robotic maker kits to tabletop drum sets from the start of June for two weeks, for free.
A report to councillors at a meeting last month said the tech kits would let library users ‘‘discover and explore their digital, technological and creative interests’’.
People would be able to borrow one tech kit at a time.
Last month the Picton/ Waitohi Library became the first of its kind in New Zealand to secure a ‘‘working to be dementia friendly’’ status from Alzheimer’s New Zealand.
The status, granted to just three organisations nationwide, is given to those that had met five of Alzheimer’s New Zealand dementia standards. It expired in two years.
Do you have a council story we don’t know about? Then email reporter Chloe Ranford at chloe.ranford@stuff.co.nz
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