Quick facts
Who can borrow: Current USAO students, faculty, and staff
Loan period: 7 days (no renewals; re-borrow allowed if available)
Cost to borrow: Free
Return: In person at the Front Desk during open hours (no book drop)
Replacement estimate: ≈ $500 for a standard kit (subject to change)
1) Eligibility & Purpose
Nash Library’s VR equipment supports academic exploration and creative work by USAO students, faculty, and staff. Use of Library VR equipment constitutes agreement to this policy and to all applicable USAO conduct policies and laws.
2) Reservations, Scheduling & Availability
Requests are approved based on scheduling and availability.
The Library may decline or cancel a reservation when safety, eligibility, condition, or policy concerns arise.
A valid phone number is required and will be used only for loan coordination (e.g., pickup/return, issues).
3) Loan Terms
Loan length: 7 days. No renewals. You may check out the same kit again if available.
Borrowing limit: One VR kit at a time.
Pick-up/return: Front Desk only; do not return through the book drop.
Kit contents: May include a headset (e.g., Meta Quest 2), controllers, straps, charging cable, and case. You are responsible for all components checked out to you.
4) Costs, Damage & Loss
Borrowing is free.
You accept financial responsibility for loss, theft, or damage beyond normal wear.
Replacement/repair charges = actual cost to restore/replace item(s) + any processing fees (standard kit currently estimated at ≈ $500; amount may vary).
Late returns may incur equipment late fees per Library schedule.
Unpaid charges may be billed to your university account.
5) Lawful & Appropriate Use
VR equipment may be used only for lawful purposes and in ways consistent with a university environment. Prohibited uses include:
Activities or content prohibited by U.S. law
Uses that are unsafe, harmful, or dangerous to you or others
Graphic/obscene content or content that violates USAO policy (e.g., harassment, discrimination) Nash Library staff may end a session or refuse future loans for policy violations.
6) Health & Safety
Before using a headset, read all health and safety materials provided by the manufacturer and USAO. Key reminders:
Age: Not recommended for children 13 or younger.
Photosensitivity/seizures: Some individuals may experience dizziness, nausea, eye strain, twitching, or seizures triggered by light patterns—stop immediately if symptoms occur.
Medical devices & magnets: Headsets may contain magnets/electromagnetic components that can affect pacemakers, defibrillators, hearing aids, and nearby electronics. Consult your physician/device guidance before use.
Situational awareness: VR limits vision and hearing; clear your play area and avoid hazards (people, pets, walls, stairs, furniture).
Do not use in hazardous situations (e.g., cooking with knives, operating tools/machinery, running, driving).
Do not use when impaired (fatigue, illness, alcohol, drugs, medication side-effects).
Physical activity: Some apps involve vigorous movement; consult a physician before beginning a new exercise program, especially if you have health concerns.
7) Privacy & Data
Any personal data, photos, videos, or recordings created or transferred to the device may be erased on return as part of standard sanitization.
Content you purchase on your own account cannot be refunded by the Library and may be removed from the device at check-in.
The Library limits data collection to information necessary to administer loans and communicates via the contact details you provide.
8) Care, Cleaning & Returns
Return equipment clean, dry, and complete, with all accessories and packaging.
Report missing parts or problems immediately at checkout or return.
Staff will inspect equipment at check-in and assess any damage or missing components.
9) Enforcement
Failure to comply with this policy may result in loss of borrowing privileges, assessment of fees, referral to university conduct processes, and/or other action as appropriate.
VR Equipment Lending Agreement (Signature Acknowledgment)
By signing, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Nash Library VR Equipment Lending Policy:
I accept full responsibility for the VR kit and all accessories while on loan to me.
I understand the 7-day loan period, no renewals, and that late fees may apply.
I agree to pay all costs associated with damage, loss, or theft (standard kit ≈ $500 replacement estimate, plus any processing/late fees).
I understand any content I purchase for the device cannot be refunded by the Library and may be erased at return.
I understand my personal files/data on the device may be deleted at return; the Library is not responsible for storing or backing up my data.
I have reviewed the health and safety guidance and, to my knowledge, have no medical conditions that would make VR use unsafe.
I will use the equipment lawfully and safely, maintain situational awareness, and follow all Library instructions.
I understand that failure to comply may result in loss of VR borrowing privileges and/or university conduct action.