Virtual Reality in Academic Health Sciences Libraries: A Primer
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Moore, Michael T.
Bardyn, Tania P.
Garrett, Adam
Ruhl, Deric
Meerovitch, Gili
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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.