An Investigation of Virtual Reality Initiatives and Workforce Development

Primary Investigator: Chaney Mosley 
Additional PIs: Kevin Ragland  ; Mary Ellen Sloane  ; Ying Jin 
Sponsor: Institute of Museum and Library Services
Sponsor Award Number: LG-254869-OLS-23

Overview: Middle Tennessee State University will conduct applied research to investigate virtual reality career exploration and training initiatives in libraries and their role in yielding positive workforce outcomes for patrons. The project will partner with public libraries in economically distressed, at-risk, and transitioning areas, providing them with VR technology equipped with workforce simulations. The project will survey and interview library patrons, staff, and stakeholders about their experiences with VR programming, including ways in which the experience may be associated with workforce outcomes (e.g., technical skills, industry credentials, new employment). The project anticipates producing publications, presentations, podcasts, testimonies, and a best practice guide to help share results and promote widespread adoption of VR programming in libraries for workforce development, benefiting under skilled library patrons and staff, employers, and communities.

Virtual Reality for Workforce Development in Tennessee – Training, March 11, 2024.