Craven-Pamlico Regional Libraries in eastern North Carolina recently received a state grant to roll out Rendever’s virtual reality (VR) system to combat social isolation post-COVID-19.
The US firm’s VR system helps individuals overcome social isolation via shared immersive experiences and is now distributing them to member libraries.
We’re proud to share that @Global_H_Pharma has awarded us the Most Inclusive VR platform in Massachusetts.
Our focus on UX centers on preserving digital inclusivity for all. https://t.co/PhnwpWnUY9 pic.twitter.com/DmQrhFo9oY
— Rendever (@RendeverHealth) November 2, 2021
In a statement provided by Rendever, Katherine Clowers, Regional Director at Craven-Pamlico Regional Library, commented:
“Thanks to Rendever, they can explore faraway bucket-list destinations in addition to experiencing new activities, like swimming with dolphins. The last 18 months have been particularly difficult with the COVID-19 pandemic”
XR Today spoke with Kyle Rand, Co-Founder and CEO, Rendever, to discuss the firm’s rollout to libraries in the United States (US). The update comes after a previous XR Today interview with Rand on his company’s work with senior citizens in the US, who reported positive feedback on the VR solution.
Rendever for Libraries
XR Today: How did you determine the importance of rolling out this solutions to libraries?
Kyle Rand: We have worked libraries in the past, and Craven-Pamlico Regional Library was the first library in the US, but we have also worked with Milton Public Library in Toronto, Canada for a few years.
The platform that we’ve been building is based on allowing people to connect with the broader world and over the years, what we’ve come to understand is that our approach to platform development has moved from Senior Living communities to a desire to work with any population where life has become limited.
Libraries are a fundamental building block of any community and the opportunity to work with them to create an exciting atmosphere, in which people can actually come together and connect in a shared experience, was a no brainer – something we and Craven were really excited about.
XR Today: Are there plans to extend the solution to libraries in other states?
Kyle Rand: We’re always looking to partner with mission-driven organizations, and libraries have always been central to community building, especially from an inter-generational perspective.
We’re proud of each library we work with, and welcome all libraries to connect with us directly. We’d love to expand worlds with you.
XR Today: Finally, how has the State Grant helped and what doors has it opened?
Kyle Rand: [In August] Rendever received an SLNC Adapts grant, and [the National Institute of Ageing] worked with us throughout the grant process. We were available as we are to all mission-driven organizations to provide materials and resources.
The outcome of data we’re collecting and our active research has definitely helped to bolster confidence in the platform for application boards.
