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Notes
table of contents
Preface
This primer, an investigation of virtual reality (VR) in academic health sciences libraries, offered an extraordinary opportunity to meet and talk with University of Washington (UW) researchers, residents, and clinicians about the future role of research libraries. What I found most energizing was the ability to view our library spaces and profession in new ways based on those contacts and conversations.
## Intended audience
Libraries come in all shapes and sizes, but they all seek to make the most use of their spaces and deliver relevant programs to a broad array of users. My professional involvement in the American Library Association has made me see the need to identify and test new ideas in space and services now in order to prepare research libraries for the future. Modern health sciences libraries are faced with many essential challenges—optimizing data management, ensuring equitable access to information, providing resources on personalized medicine, and constructing an information pipeline for future biomedical researchers—that are requiring us to rethink our future space needs together.
Academic health sciences libraries deliver high-quality experiences, using the latest technology and furnishings, to users seeking to improve health and health care delivery. All of our services are tested and informed by faculty, staff, and students to ensure that they are both functional and appropriate. UW’s addition of a virtual reality component to a new Translational Research and Information Lab (TRAIL) in 2018 is providing prompt advice to library directors and IT leaders.
## How this primer should be used
Treat this *how to* manual as a primer, a case study, and a reference on the preferred hardware and software, lighting, and interior design elements to consider in your VR planning process. This primer will help you:
1. introduce VR to your current library space
2. gain insight into VR hardware and software for higher education and health care
3. increase productivity and collaboration by using a data wall for VR demonstrations to small health care teams
Planning for potential uses of VR
The University of Washington Health Sciences Library’s (HSL) transformation of its library liaison office into the TRAIL collaboration space for use by thousands of health sciences researchers was an exciting challenge for our team. The idea was to combine a translational research lab with a library possessing a strong clinical information program and IT services. We incorporated a collaborative layout that allowed for small, focused discussions using a data wall and emerging technologies.
The need for a VR space for clinical researchers was highlighted by the results of a UW Libraries survey, stakeholder conversations within the six local UW health sciences schools, the UW Center for Cardiovascular Innovation, and a student advisory group. As part of this process, I learned that if the health sciences library were to remain relevant to researchers in 2030, the planning and testing of space and design concepts needed to begin immediately.
When the library decided to create a space for researchers—especially clinical researchers involved with patient care—we learned that our potential users wanted a completely new kind of experience that involved the latest technology and embraced the guiding principles of equitable access to high-quality health information and data.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provided funding through a Library Leadership Grant to inform this primer and create a document that would encourage libraries to offer new services and VR spaces.
The experience can serve as a model for others to make the most of their library space options and persuade colleagues of the benefits of including library leaders in any future plans for innovation spaces, technology labs, and programs for improving community health.
#### Acknowledgements
Adam Garrett and Dmitry Levin stepped forward to offer leadership and advice during the one-year VR project.
Diversified designed the data wall.
Ed Verrier, MD, Beth Ripley, MD, Mark Reisman, MD, Kevin Koomalsingh, MD, and Francisco Gensini, MD, demonstrated the value of partnerships.
IMLS funded the work because there was a demonstrated need in the library community. A special thank you to my AAHSL colleagues at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Howard University, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, McGill University, Northwestern University, Southern Illinois University, UCSF, University of Minnesota, University of Oklahoma, University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester, University of Toronto, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Weill Cornell Medicine for their support.
Tania P. Bardyn, MLIS, AHIP
PI, IMLS Grant
Associate Dean of University Libraries
Director, Health Sciences Library
Director, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Pacific Northwest Region