This Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) resource guide is intended to supplement the Reality Lab at The Nexus Collaborative Learning Lab at the Ruth Lilly Medical Library. Here you will find a basic introduction to VR and AR, information about the VR service currently available at the Nexus Collaborative Learning Lab, and educational resources for you to learn more.

If you'd like to schedule a VR session in the IU School of Medicine Makerspace, please use the Makerspace Reservation form https://library.mednet.iu.edu/makerspace-reservation-form/ or contact the Makerspace Manager, Cassandra Jones-VanMieghem, at jonecass@iu.edu. 

If you have any questions, or are interested in learning more, please email the library's Tech Team at rlmltech@iu.edu.

The Makerspace, currently located in the Ruth Lilly Medical Library in room IB202, will be moving to the Medical Education and Research Building (350 West 14th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202) in room HA2061 on the second floor. The current space will close on June 23rd and will re-open in the new building on July 7th.

Virtual and Augmented Reality are being used in some of the following ways in the medical field:

1. Medical Practice: These technologies allow surgeons to practice virtually using 3D visualizations of the patient's CT/MRI scans, thus allowing for a more customized experience. They are also being used to aid exposure therapy in people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and phobias.
2. Medical Education: Students can learn about anatomy and molecular biology by immersing themselves in virtual environments.

Check out our Educational Resources page to learn more about how these technologies are used in medicine.

Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated experience that allows the user to be immersed in and/or interact with a virtual environment. Watch the video below to learn more.

Augmented Reality (AR) allows the user to enhance their perception of the real world by interacting with digital/virtual objects. Watch the video below to learn more.