Virtual Reality in Academic Health Sciences Libraries: A Primer

Abstract

The Translational Research and Information Lab (TRAIL) opened in the University of Washington Health Sciences Library (HSL) in December 2016, transforming existing library space into an innovative and data-driven research environment. Clinical researchers are using it to accelerate innovation in health care using translational methods and the latest technology.

The innovation space has six 55-inch digital panels that form a data wall. Semicircular “campfire”-style seating and sound-dampening floors allow for focused discussions. The vision is to provide a collaborative space where researchers and clinicians can meet to develop ideas, test concepts, and explore possibilities.

A research scientist from the UW Center for Cardiovascular Innovation contacted the TRAIL librarian for permission to test VR on the data wall. Through this successful interaction, a case was made for VR to be used in HSL. A data wall displaying a patient heart, for example, can show a team of health care providers what a cardiovascular surgeon will see in the operating room.