The virtual reality environment of Freedom to Read was created through the partnership of SJSU
School of Information, Unite Against Book Bans, Little Free Library, and Books Unbanned. It aims to engage, inform, and empower concerned citizens, librarians, and students to stop book bans and gain access to books that have been challenged, restricted, or banned. Furthermore, youth in book ban-impacted places can gain access to books that reflect their diverse experiences. The “Freedom to Read” project strives to facilitate interactive user engagement, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to advocate against book bans effectively. These collaborative endeavors have empowered librarians and educators to create similar immersive environments in their own communities, further expanding the reach and impact of this initiative. The project has also garnered media attention, highlighting the critical issue of book censorship and the innovative use of XR technologies to address it. This visibility has attracted additional support, enabling the continued growth and sustainability of the “Freedom to Read” initiative.
Through these ongoing efforts, the project has made a tangible difference in promoting intellectual freedom and ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated.

Visit Freedom To Read here.

"Children Draw War, Not Flowers" is an immersive 3D art exhibition born from collaboration between San José State University’s School of Information faculty, staff, and students with Ukrainian librarians, children, and veterans. Amid the Russian invasion, which displaced over 42,000 children to Ukraine's Cherkasy region, SJSU partnered with 40 regional libraries to organize an art competition. Funds were raised to provide Ukrainian libraries with a
state-of-the-art scanner, enabling the digitization of children's artworks. This initiative aimed to help children process war-related trauma while preserving cultural heritage. The digital pieces were then used by SJSU students to create an immersive exhibition, amplifying young voices, highlighting the impact of the war on cultural heritage institutions, showcasing the role libraries and librarians play during wartime, and raising global awareness about the ongoing conflict.

Visit Children Draw War, Not Flowers here.

Funded by an IMLS Native American Enhancement Grant and created in partnership with the
Northern Cheyenne Tribe, "Seeking Immortality" is a virtual reality environment preserving endangered language and cultural knowledge. The project trained tribal members and students in using 3D scanners, cameras, and other emerging technologies, empowering them to autonomously build and curate the space while maintaining their information and data sovereignty. This browser-based VR environment showcases the tribe's land, language, and traditions, addressing challenges posed by tribal dispersion and the dwindling number of Cheyenne language speakers over 65. "Seeking Immortality" delivers culturally significant items,
land representations, knowledge, and language in an immersive, collective environment accessible across all devices, ensuring widespread preservation and engagement with Northern Cheyenne heritage.

Visit Seeking Immortality here.