Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in the Library

LIBytes is located on Level 3, Left Wing of the NIE Library.

Who can use the space?
Any NIE/NTU staff or student, although the VR / AR apps will focus on educational themes.

What is available for borrowing at LIBytes?

• 1 HTC Vive Focus 3 headset and controllers
• 1 Meta Quest 3 headset and controllers
• 2 MERGE Cubes
• 2 MERGE Headsets
• 2 iPADs
• 1 desktop computer and monitor

The equipment is only available for use within the library. 

Notes: You can pick up a one-time use VR headset eye mask cover from the Digital Library Services Office at Level 3.  

Where are the equipment located?
All the equipment can be borrowed from the Digital Library Services Office on Level 3. 

Do I need an appointment?
We welcome walk-ins! However appointments are preferred. You may sign up for a consultation session here. 

How long can I check out the equipment for?

The headset and controller can be checked out for 2 hours per person/group. If there are not returned, fines will be charged at 50 cents per half hour or part there of. 

Are there any special check out instructions? 

Anyone checking out the equipment must fill in the NIE Library VR/AR Lending Agreement.

In addition, at the end of the session, you are kindly requested to fill in the online feedback form.

Can I download my own games for streaming into the VR headset?

No, but you can email sandie.loo@nie.edu.sg or stephanie.ow@nie.edu.sg for more information about software and applications. 

I'm an instructor. Who do I contact if I want to learn more about using VR/AR for my class?

Contact the Digital Library Services Office at 6219-6151 or 6219-6118 or email sandie.loo@nie.edu.sg or stephanie.ow@nie.edu.sg to learn about using VR/AR in your class.

VR/AR is inherently immersive, educational, and super fun. But it's also easy to get a little lost in the headset and forget where you are. So please remember to be respectful, and observe our rules:

1. Check in with a librarian, to help get you started
   • complete the lending agreement form
   • check out headset (and controllers), iPADs or MERGE cubes from Digital Library Services Office at Level 3, NIE Library
   • review libguide
   • download preferred apps (on your own device only) - for AR
2. Be seated / or move around within the dedicated space only
3. Voice low
4. 2 hour limit
5. Complete the post-survey form

Thanks, and enjoy!

Users are advised that they must take certain safety precautions while using the equipment and/or being present in the studio.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Be aware of your surroundings when using the equipment and be aware of any tripping hazards, including cables.
• Make certain the equipment is secured to your body appropriately, including use of any safety straps that will prevent equipment from being thrown or dropped.
• Stay within delineated boundaries for use.
• Maintain adequate control and balance of your body at all times.
• If you feel nausea, dizziness, loss of balance, or discomfort, take the headset off and sit down.
• Like other gaming products capable of producing flashing visual effects, the VR headset may trigger seizures, fainting or dizziness, even if you have no history of these conditions.
• Consult your doctor before using the equipment if you have a pre-existing medical condition (e.g. heart ailment, anxiety disorders, or PTSD).
• Users should advise library staff immediately of any equipment malfunction, damage, or other unsafe condition.  

The NIE Library's VR/AR equipment are available to NIE/NTU staff and students to view VR content under supervision and guidance from Library staff. Users are not allowed to download any additional applications or programs onto the VR equipment.  To suggest a game/app for purchase and/or download, email sandie.loo@nie.edu.sg or stephanie.ow@nie.edu.sg.

I. The NIE Library's VR/AR equipment may be used only for lawful purposes. No one will be permitted to use the Library’s VR equipment to create or view material that is:

  a.   Prohibited by Singapore law.

  b.   Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others. 

  c.   Capturing or viewing graphic content.

  d.   Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.

II. All requests for using the VR/AR equipment are subject to approval based on scheduling and availability. The Library reserves the right to refuse any VR equipment requests for any reason.

III. Cost: Using the equipment is free.

IVI. Any damages caused to the VR/AR equipment while being loaned without NIE staff supervision will be paid for by the loanee to restore equipment to it's original condition.

• I acknowledge that the use of virtual reality technology poses inherent risks, irrespective of whether fully known or understood and that include, but are not limited to:
  • potential negative responses to the virtual reality experience, including dizziness, nausea, and disorientation;
  • potential exposure to or transmission of contagions through physical contact with equipment such as headsets; and
  • risks associated with technology that interferes with senses, such as the risk of losing balance and falling, or tripping over equipment.
• I agree to accept full responsibility for the VR/AR equipment (and all accessories) while on loan to me.
• I understand that the loan period for the VR/AR equipment is 2 hourf and that fines of $0.50 per hour/or part thereof will be charged if the VR equipment is not returned on or before the time due.
• I will pay a late return fee if I fail to return the VR/AR equipment to the Digital Library Services Office by the time it is due.
• I accept full financial liability for the VR/AR equipment and its accessories, while in my possession.
• I agree to pay all costs associated with damage to, loss of, or theft of the VR/AR equipment and accessories (S$1850 for the HTV Vive Focus 3, S$900 for the Meta Quest 3, S$33 for the MERGE Cube, S$75 for the MERGE Headset, S$890 for the iPAD) while it is checked out to me.
• I understand that any documents, photographs, recordings etc. created on or transferred to the VR equipment or desktop computer while in my possession will be erased from the device after its return. It is my responsibility to copy any documents, photographs, recordings etc. I wish to retain to another, separate storage medium before ending my session. The library is not responsible for storing, transferring or backing up this data.
• I agree that failure to comply with any of these rules and guidelines will result in the loss of the privilege of borrowing any library VR/AR equipment.

My acknowledgement indicates that I have read the VR Lending Agreement and that I agree to abide by these conditions of use when borrowing VR/AR equipment from NIE Library: