Bringing the Past to Life: AR and VR Tools for Cultural Programming in Libraries

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Step into the past and bring cultural stories to life—no headset required! This beginner-friendly webinar introduces libraries to the fundamentals of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) and how these technologies can be used to create immersive exhibits and engaging programs. 

We’ll explore easy-to-use tools like SeekBeak, ZapWorks, and 360° cameras to help you design interactive experiences using equipment you likely already have. Learn how to develop your first projects, from AR posters and Merge Cube artifact exploration to 360° local history tours and virtual exhibits. Featured programs include "Myth in Motion," "History on a Cube," "Create a Virtual Exhibit," and "Teen Curators." Whether you’re serving young readers or lifelong learners, this session will equip you with practical ideas and accessible workflows to start small and make a big impact.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Define Augmented and Virtual Reality in simple terms and understand the differences between them in a library context.
  • Identify beginner-friendly tools and platforms for creating AR and VR experiences using phones, tablets, or basic 360° cameras.
  • Plan and implement interactive cultural programs such as augmented posters, virtual exhibits, and immersive storytelling activities.

About the Instructor

Ellyssa Valenti Kroski is the Director of Innovation & Engagement at the New York Law Institute as well as an award-winning editor and author of 75 books. She is a librarian, an adjunct faculty member at San Jose State University, and an international conference speaker. She can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/author/ellyssa.

This event will be hosted in Zoom. Automatic captions will be enabled for this event. This event will be recorded, and registrants will receive access to the recording within a day after the event ends.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.

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