Purpose

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a more available technology including in public spaces like libraries. The value and role of VR as a tool for learning and social engagement are unclear. The purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which library patrons and librarians perceive VR and experience VR through library drop-in programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on research conducted in seven Washington State Libraries where VR was adopted for drop-in programming for the first time. Data was collected between March and June 2018 and involved interviews with librarians and patrons, a patron user experience survey, and observational field notes from researchers on site during library programs.

Findings

Findings are presented in relation to user perceptions of VR compared to their actual VR experiences, and in relation to informal learning and social engagements. The authors frame the analysis and discussion in relation to sociotechnical imaginaries – culturally situated ideas about the relationship between society and technology, and considering the larger cultural landscape that informs collective views about the present and future.

Social implications

The paper discusses pending and potential inequalities related to gender, race and class in conversation with technology industry and VR. Issues discussed include unequal access to technology in public libraries and representation of minoritized groups in VR.

Originality/value

This work takes a critical perspective considering the inequities in relation to mainstreaming VR through public spaces like libraries.

中文翻译：

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公共图书馆对虚拟现实的感知和体验

目的

虚拟现实（VR）正在成为一种更可用的技术，包括在图书馆等公共场所。虚拟现实作为学习和社会参与工具的价值和作用尚不清楚。本文的目的是探索图书馆读者和图书馆员通过图书馆嵌入式程序感知VR和体验VR的方式。

设计/方法/方法

本文基于在七个华盛顿州图书馆进行的研究，其中首次采用VR进行嵌入式编程。数据收集于2018年3月至6月之间，涉及对图书馆员和顾客的采访，顾客用户体验调查以及图书馆计划期间现场研究人员的观察性现场笔记。

发现

呈现的结果与用户对VR的感知（与他们实际的VR体验相比）以及非正式学习和社交活动有关。作者对与社会技术想象有关的分析和讨论进行了框架和构想，这些想象和讨论是关于社会与技术之间关系的文化定位思想，并考虑了可为当前和未来提供集体观点的更大的文化景观。

社会影响

本文在与技术行业和虚拟现实的对话中讨论了与性别，种族和阶级有关的悬而未决和潜在的不平等现象。讨论的问题包括公共图书馆对技术的不平等使用以及VR中少数群体的代表。

创意/价值

这项工作采用批判性观点，考虑了通过图书馆等公共空间将VR主流化时的不平等现象。