Library unveils new virtual reality room and podcast studio

Lyons New Media Centre in Mills Memorial Library (4th floor) is expanding its offerings this fall with two new spaces for the McMaster community to learn and create.

Earlier this month, the group podcast studio opened for online reservations for McMaster students, faculty, and staff, and the virtual reality room is set to open in the coming weeks. The fresh additions complement the centre’s existing lineup of media services and spaces.

The anticipated virtual reality room offers two Meta Quest headsets and a television for casting live experiences to spectators. Each headset is equipped with a range of educational apps, including Blueplanet VR, which enables users to explore some of the world’s most remarkable locations.

Next door to the virtual reality room is Lyons’ audio studio, which has expanded to include a large podcast room for group recording sessions.

The private room features a table with chairs for up to four people, four sets of microphones and headphones, a computer equipped with audio editing software, and sound-dampening walls. Users can also make use of the webcam and portable greenscreen for video recording.

The group podcast studio and virtual reality room can be reserved online by anyone with a valid Mac ID. Safety training will be required prior to accessing the virtual reality room.

To learn more about Lyons or to book a media space, visit their webpage.