Five people tried out Virtual Reality (VR) technology at the Olds Municipal Library last week.
Ceima Kemaldean, the library's computer services coordinator, says that's fewer than organizers had hoped for, but that had its good side.
"The ones who did come in had a great time with the set to themselves and (were) really experiencing the technology without feeling rushed," she says.
Kemaldean has big plans for virtual reality ñ an artificial environment created by computer software, primarily through use of a headset ñ in the library.
"I'd like to have it set up during the day in the middle of the library, perhaps have ëVirtual Reality Fridays' for a month and really get people in our community immersed in VR technology," she says.
"It's not only for gaming, but also a great way to explore and learn about different environments and spaces that might be impossible for many people to visit. Or people can express their creativity, and create new worlds for others to enjoy."
For example, via VR programs on a library laptop, participants could scramble around the Grand Canyon, swim in the ocean or draw in the air around them.
According to Kemaldean, prices for VR equipment run from $20 for a cardboard version which works with a smartphone, to $3,000, although she found at least one kind for $550 to $680, depending on whether you order it directly from the manufacturer.
Kemaldean's sister, Rawan, was one of those who tried out the technology last Thursday, Aug. 3. She tried out a program in which she was swimming in the sea.
"I was swimming toward rocks and actually running into them," she said. "It's kind of neat."
"It's not only for gaming, but also a great way to explore and learn about different environments and spaces that might be impossible for many people to visit."CEIMA KEMALDEANCOMPUTER SERVICES COORDINATOR OLDS MUNICIPAL LIBRARY
