The University of Tennessee Libraries encourages community engagement in unique ways. Over the past few years, for instance, The Studio in Hodges Library has developed a robust board game collection, a state-of-the-art virtual reality room, and a vibrant esports room, and has hosted numerous gaming events. Gaming enriches student life—and enhances the curriculum.

The growing board game collection features a range of dice, card, strategy, and party games for all ages and varying skill levels. From classics like Battleship to new favorites like Wingspan, students can unwind with a game and professors can find a game to incorporate into a class assignment. UT faculty, staff, and students can use board games in the library or check them out for a three-day loan period at the Commons South equipment desk. To augment the collection, The Studio accepts donations of games.

The virtual reality room offers immersive experiences that add unique value to traditional learning environments. Equipped with two cutting-edge VR headsets, the VR room allows students to explore virtual worlds, engage in interactive simulations, and participate in VR-based educational programs. Those experiences strengthen learning and prepare students for future careers in fields where VR is becoming increasingly prevalent, offering a hands-on approach to complex concepts and scenarios. Staff in the Libraries’ new Immersive Spaces and Technologies department are collaborating with several academic departments, offering support for effectively integrating VR into their curricula. Leisure gaming in academic libraries provides students with a relaxing and enjoyable break from their studies—fostering social interaction, reducing stress, and promoting a holistic educational experience.

The eXperience Point Gaming Lab is a multimedia space featuring video games, artistic software, and streaming technologies. The space is usable as a classroom and is open for individuals and groups to drop in and play games when they find time in their schedules. By opening the space to drop-in users, UT Libraries has created a strong tie to the university’s large and growing eSports Club. The gaming lab supports academic pursuits by giving instructors a space to teach 3D design, creative software such as the Adobe Creative Suite, and game development. 

Increased academic interest in game craft and game design will provide new opportunities for the Libraries to directly support the work of classes and researchers. From professors using games in the classroom to introduce complex subjects to students actively developing games in the new game craft certificate program in the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies, UT Libraries provides collections, technology, and services that align with their work. The Immersive Spaces and Technologies staff looks forward to increased collaboration as new campus programs evolve.