Virtual Reality @ the Library: How to Use

Instructions for Use

Turning on the headset

• Turn on the headset by pressing and holding the oblong button on the right side of the headset for 3-5 seconds.
• The power button is labeled as button 4 in the picture of the headset.

Accessing applications

• Once headset is turned on, the main menu should come up.
• Select the app you'd like to use by using the controller trigger buttons or buttons A or X.
• When done and ready to exit the application: Select the button with Oculus logo on the hand control. Select Main Menu and Quit game.

Charging block and cable

• You can charge the device by plugging one end of the cable into the charging block and the other into the charging port on the right side of the headset.

Glasses spacer (optional)

• To insert the glasses spacer, first gently remove the facial interface foam from the headset.
• Next, gently press the spacer into place on the back of the facial interface with the glasses symbol on top.
• Finally, reinsert the facial interface foam into the headset.

The Play Space

When you ARE the player:

• Let others know your designated play space boundaries.

When you ARE NOT the player:

• Keep out of the designated play space. Only enter if you have the player's permission.
• Let the player know when you enter and leave the room.

When Playing

• Let others know that you are playing and you may not be able to hear them or see them.
• Set a time or alarm so you know how long you have been playing.
• Always use the wrist straps.  Take the extra caution to ensure that to damage yourself, someone else, or the controllers.

Player's Choice

Putting on the headset should be the player's choice. Not everyone wants to enter into VR and we will never pressure you. Here are some reasons someone may not want to play:

• Not liking things on their face or head.
• Not wanting to get overheated.
• Uncertainty of happenings in the physical surroundings.
• Motion sickness, claustrophobia, or cleanliness.
• Not feeling like it... or any other reason.

Ask Before Helping

Being touched when not expecting it can be a jarring experience for people if the touch is not expected. If you need to touch the player for any reason, communicate the touch by saying, "Can I touch your left hand?" or "Can I touch your head?"

Please review the health and safety information regarding the proper use of the Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality equipment and its associated risks.  

*Read and Download full Meta Quest 2 Health & Safety Manual

Health and Safety Warnings

Associated Risks of Using VR.  Virtual reality makes some people feel ill during or after their session. This is sometimes referred to as cyber sickness or virtual reality sickness.  The symptoms may feel like motion sickness, and they can include, but are not limited to:

• Eyestrain

• Headache & neck strain

• Looking pale (pallor)

• Sweating

• Dry mouth

• Full feeling in your belly

• Vertigo

• Disorientation

• Trouble with balance and coordination (ataxia)

• Nausea and vomiting

Stop using your VR device as soon as symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sweating, or pallor appear!  Sit still with your eyes either open or closed until you have readjusted to your environment and symptoms have ceased.  Do not drive or operate heavy machinery immediately after using virtual reality equipment.

Use Only When Unimpaired.  A comfortable, safe virtual reality experience requires an unimpaired sense of motion and balance.  Do not use the Meta Quest 2 headset when you are experiencing any of the following:

• Tiredness or exhaustion
• Sleep deprivation
• Under the influence of alcohol or medication
• Hung-over
• Digestive distress or sensitive stomach
• Emotional distress or anxiety
• Suffering from cold, flu, headaches, migraines or earaches

Medical Conditions.  It is not recommended to use the Meta Quest 2 headset if you are pregnant, elderly, have vision abnormalities or psychiatric disorders, suffer from a heart condition or other serious medical condition, are prone to motion sickness or have balance problems, or are susceptible to migraines.  Those prone to seizures should not use the headset and some users may have severe dizziness, seizures, eye strain, or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns when using the device.  The headset and controllers may contain magnets or components that emit radio waves, which could affect the operation of nearby electronics, including medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, hearing aids, and defibrillators.  Stop using the headset or controllers if you observe a persistent interference with you medical device or experience any of the above symptoms. 

Headset Adjustment.  The Meta Quest 2 weighs 17.7 ounces (a little over one pound).  To reduce the risk of discomfort and eye strain, the headset should be balanced and centered, and the distance between lenses should be appropriately set for each user.  Adjust the rear and top straps to ensure comfortable placement of the headset.  Adjust the lenses for each user by moving the eyecups directly to whichever of positions (1, 2, or 3) provides the clearest image.  When properly adjusted, the headset should fit comfortably and you should see a single, clear image.  Re-check settings after a break or after removing the headset.

Wrist straps.  Users are required to wear the provided controller wrist straps at all times while using the Meta Quest headset.

Safe Environment.  Always be aware of your surroundings before starting and while using the headset.  Use caution to avoid injury.  Only use the headset indoors, in a clear, safe area, including overhead, to avoid striking walls, furniture, objects, fans, people, and pets.  Also, avoid tripping hazards, such as rugs, uneven floors, wires, and cords.

Seated Use.  New users of virtual reality are encouraged to stay seated while they are in the VR session to avoid disorientation, motion sickness, and balance issues.  Be mindful of nearby objects such as computers, monitors, countertops, furniture, and other people.

This video from Meta explains how to prepare your space to use the Quest VR headset safely. 

This video from Meta explains how to fit the headset to your face and adjust the lenses. These adjustments will help you to have a safer experience and to be less likely to feel sick while using the headset.