2025-07-02 –, Theil C1-3 (60p)
How can university libraries offer VR headsets for wellbeing while safeguarding privacy and data security? This session provides a practical roadmap for responsibly implementing VR in public spaces, using the Maastricht University Library’s approach implementing privacy by default.
Curious how your institution can offer VR for wellbeing by taking into account user privacy? You’re not alone. With the increasing interest in VR headsets for education and mental health, libraries face the challenge of creating safe, inclusive spaces that balance innovation with responsibility.
In this session, you will learn how Maastricht University Library designed a VR offering that supports student wellbeing — without ignoring privacy and GDPR concerns. Discover how the library applies the privacy by default approach to make immersive technologies like the Meta Quest 3 available in open spaces while keeping user and environmental data protected. From policy development and secure implementation to ethical decision-making, you'll gain insight into each step of the roadmap.
Specifically, you’ll walk away with:
A clear understanding of how to apply the privacy by default principles to public VR use
Practical considerations for implementing VR in semi-open environments
Lessons from an academic library balancing accessibility, wellbeing, and data protection
This session is especially relevant for library professionals, data stewards, digital learning coordinators, and anyone working with XR or wellbeing in higher education. If you're navigating similar questions about how to responsibly integrate new technologies in your institution, this session offers concrete examples, pitfalls to avoid, and inspiration to get started.
You’ll also hear early feedback from end users and learn how the project continues to evolve — providing a real-world look at the future of wellbeing in academic libraries.
Project Leader Digital Literacy and AI for educators, Maastricht University
I'm a passionate professional skilled in strategic and project management, coaching and teaching, in particular in the field of historical and cultural research, art and music. I have experience in vision-mission-strategy-elaboration and curriculumdevelopment, and I love to combine this with (more practical) facilitation, communication and business organisation. I want to contribute to an optimal learning environment (and learning results) by creating inviting, inclusive and innovative learning spaces.