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.
tsec@mtsu.edu
615-904-8573
820 Fairview Avenue
Fairview Building, Suite 102
MTSU Box #82
Murfreesboro, TN 37132