Please note: The Virtual Discovery Space is currently undergoing some changes, so the information below is not accurate. Information will be updated in September (2023) to indicate new technology being added to the space and how to use it.

What is it?

The Virtual Discovery Space is MSU's immersive visualization and virtual reality environment. Equipped with four large screens and virtual reality software, this space is located on the first floor of Montana State University Library. The Virtual Discovery Space is ideal for exploring virtual reality, teaching and learning, viewing hi-resolution images and videos, collaborating with colleagues around the world, and much more.

Mission

The Virtual Discovery Space is an interactive and dynamic physical space which inspires inquiry and innovation through virtual reality and large-scale visualization technologies.

Vision

The Virtual Discovery Space provides technological resources to bring people together from across disciplines to experience diverse ideas and ways of learning that are inclusive and engaging.

What about using Virtual Reality?

The Virtual Discovery Space is equipped with HTC Vive powered by SteamVR for an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience. Learn more about the VR setup, VR applications available, and VR use.

Where is it?

The Virtual Discovery Space is a public area on the first floor of the MSU Library, across from the Service Desk to the west just up the stairs. 

Who can use it?

MSU faculty, staff, and students can use the Virtual Discovery Space. The equipment will be checked out at the Library Service Desk using a CatCard.

How do I use it?

MSU faculty, staff, and students can make an appointment to use the Virtual Discovery Space on our reservation page  If not reserved in advance, and the space is available, users can use the space on a walk-in basis but will still be asked to make a space reservation when checking out the equipment at the Library Service Desk.

Staff at the Library Service Desk can provide 5-10 minutes of very basic support for VR. Users needing training or more in-depth assistance will need to schedule a time to work 1-1 with someone from the library's DLI Department.

We also have a simple instruction manual available and an advanced, detailed instruction manual as linked here as accessible PDFs. Also, check out our introductory video tutorial! 

Use Cases for Students

  • VR meditation/escape applications for relaxation, de-stressing
  • Collaborative viewing/editing for group projects
  • Google Earth visualization for understanding:
    • Global Warming
    • Places being learned about in class
    • What it looks like where your friends live
    • Where you’ll be going on your study abroad trip
    • Learning computer programming languages through VR
  • Developing and testing your own VR applications
  • Student groups/club use  

Use Cases for Faculty

  • VR for:
    • Anatomy
    • Hematology
    • Medical procedures
    • Architecture
    • Art – close up views of works
  • Presentations by students for class
  • Create new technologies for teaching – possible collaborations between faculty and computer programmers
  • Small group presentations/brown bag talks
  • Storytelling
  • Google Earth visualization for understanding:
    • Explore study abroad spaces prior to trip
    • Places written about in literature
    • To explore architecturally significant spaces