Bobby Reed · University of Oklahoma Libraries
For five years I led the emerging-technology program for the OU Libraries -- a team of about twenty serving thirteen colleges. We ran VR and AR labs, 3D-printing studios, and research-computing environments; administered federal grants; and helped faculty and researchers put new technology to work. Two patents, several funded projects, and a great many students who got to touch the future came out of it.
Team led (librarians, developer, students)
Colleges served across the university
Federal grants administered (IMLS, NSF, NEH, OU Rapid Response)
Patents from COVID-19 rapid-response work
I led and expanded the OU Libraries' emerging-technology program: I took over an existing unit and grew what it could do -- for the Libraries, for faculty across thirteen colleges, and for students who needed a place to build. The job was equal parts people leadership, grant administration, infrastructure, and hands-on technology work.
Led four librarians, one developer, and roughly fifteen student employees -- hiring, scheduling, coaching, performance, and staff development.
Wrote and administered IMLS, NSF, and NEH grants, authoring an individual data-security plan for each to satisfy every agency's distinct requirements.
Ran VR/AR labs, 3D-printing studios, and research-computing environments serving thirteen colleges.
Administered the Canvas LMS as part of the role: created and configured courses, provisioned users, set access and permission levels, and developed usage policy.
Partnered with faculty across disciplines to adopt new tools -- training, troubleshooting, and building the scenes, tours, and prototypes their work required.
Maintained FERPA compliance as a department head and supported HIPAA-aware, NIH-adjacent research in partnership with OUHSC.
A selection of what the program built and delivered -- immersive experiences, patented devices, cultural-heritage preservation, and student programs.
Immersive VR experience recreating Oklahoma City's historic Deep Deuce neighborhood circa 1949, in partnership with Metropolitan Library System. Built in Unity with photogrammetry and archival historical research.
3D-printed respirator with variable media chambers, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic as Co-PI on OU's Rapid Response team. Patented, funded, and scaled up to supply medical centers.
IMLS-funded project using 3D scanning to digitize artifacts from the Delaware Nation -- preserving cultural heritage and enabling educational access. Served as Co-Investigator.
Visualized RCSB Protein Data Bank files in virtual reality using OVAL, an open-source VR platform, so biochemistry graduate students could build "virtual tours" as part of their capstone. A Unity-heavy build supporting an NSF CAREER award.
Patented testing-swab design developed as part of OU's COVID-19 Rapid Response team, addressing critical supply shortages during the pandemic.
VR flight simulator for aviation students using 360° video and audio capture, deployed to standalone Quest headsets for accessibility and affordability.
Immersive VR application for forensic training, letting students investigate a realistic crime scene in a controlled virtual environment. Featured by OU InsideOU.
High-resolution 3D scanning bringing medieval manuscripts to life for remote study and preservation. Featured by OU DISC News.
Fully functional 3D-printed violin on permanent display at the University of Oklahoma Presidential House -- a demonstration of what additive manufacturing can do.
Designed and facilitated a game-development program teaching Unity, C#, and game-design principles to students through hands-on projects.
Role: Co-Investigator
3D scanning to digitize artifact collections for cultural preservation and educational access.
View Grant →Role: Service Provider
Built and ran the VR platform (OVAL) used to visualize RCSB PDB protein structures for a biochemistry capstone -- a Unity-heavy workload preparing scenes and tools for student "virtual tours."
Role: Infrastructure Provider
Provided technology infrastructure and peripheral expertise, troubleshooting eye-tracking software and hardware for the research team.
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
"3D Printed Respirator with Variable Media Chambers: Scaling Up Production," with Ken Marold (Architecture) and Evan Floyd (Public Health, OUHSC). Resulted in a patented medical device.
Book-length guide to implementing VR programs in library settings (ALA Store).
View Publication →College & Research Libraries News (2024).
View Publication →Presented on behalf of LITA at the ALA Annual Conference 2019, Washington, D.C.
Watch Presentation →LITA Blog (2018) -- picked up by American Libraries Magazine.
Read Article →Association of College & Research Libraries
2019
OU Library School Accreditation
2022
Oklahoma Library Association
2019
This page covers one role. The full portfolio -- teaching, software, XR, leadership, libraries, and AI -- lives on the main site.