Programme elements
The first phase of the Digital Spaces programme, which ran between May 2021 and June 2023, comprised six core elements:
1. VR Library
Via partnerships with the BBC, Redbox VR and Diversion Cinema, we ran free VR sessions at Coventry Central Library and four local libraries scheduled each week. To provide an accessible and easy-to-manage introductory VR experience we:
- Offered a catalogue of 12 immersive films, each lasting 5-10 minutes across a range of genres, with new titles added during the run.
- Used robust controller-free Pico headsets that offer high resolution but did not require extensive training for visitors to use.
- Developed a bespoke ‘virtual library’ app that allowed content to be updated remotely with minimal support from library staff and enabled users to navigate intuitively by looking at in-headset icons to make choices.
2. VR180 film production
In partnership with production company Neon8, we ran a series of immersive video production workshops that supported young people to capture local live performances and exhibitions using 180o video. The resulting four short films were made available on the VR headsets to give library visitors access to local content.
3. Immersive audio collection
Library visitors were able to access a selection of binaural audio experiences curated by BBC R&D via headsets and tablets in the libraries as well as on smartphones. BBC Radio also commissioned a radio portrait of Coventry’s Riley Square, as part of its Slow Radio series, the first inner city slow radio commission of that strand.
4. Community co-created digital projects
We commissioned artists to work with communities around Bell Green, Foleshill and Tile Hill libraries to develop new digital content that could be published online and showcased in the libraries.
5. Central Library showcase event
Digital Spaces Presents… was a two-day showcase in July 2022, filled with live events that showcased the digital content from the above strands.
6. Digital Champion training for librarians
Over a 12-month period, 11 library staff received training to support visitors to connect with and create digital culture. This included social media skills, managing the VR library and showcase experiences, and working with communities to co-create digital projects and events.
Audience engagement and impact of the programme
Since launch in May 2021, Phase 1 of the Digital Spaces programme has reached over 105,000 people. This includes VR and live event audiences of over 2,300, audio audiences of 40,000, and a social media reach of over 63,000.
In-depth data gathered from a sample of 64 people by independent evaluators Earthen Lamp shows the project was successful in the following areas:
- Drawing new audiences: 52% of participants had not tried VR before. 74% had not tried it in a library setting. 70% had not attended an event run by Coventry City Council before.
- Ethnically diverse engagement: 53% of participants identified as having either South Asian or Black British heritage; only 27% identified as White British.
- Attracting young audiences: 53% of participants were aged under 19.
- Predominantly local reach: 94% of participants were local Coventry residents.
- Socio-economic diversity: 26% of audiences came from the CV6 postcode, an inner-city area which includes three of the most socio-economically deprived wards of Foleshill, Holbrooks and Radfield.
- Positive experience: 78% of those surveyed described the VR experience as “very good” and 11% as “good”. None of the respondents rated their experience negatively.
- Promoting interest in VR: over 50% reported increased interest in VR technology because of taking part.
