13 - Revealing Anatomy: An Exploration of the Utilization and Management of Virtual Anatomy Tables in Libraries

Objectives: This preliminary study analyzed the use and management practices of 3D virtual anatomy tables (VATs) currently owned by libraries to support anatomy learning endeavors within their communities. This study also explored how libraries have adapted their VAT services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: An IRB-approved 15-question survey was shared with members of 46 library-focused email listservs to assess the use and management practices of VATs among libraries. The survey results were analyzed using basic calculations to generate percentages, identify trends, and generate visualizations related to the survey data.

Results: Out of 31 completed surveys, seven respondents reported that their libraries owned a virtual anatomy table at any point in time. Respondents from VAT-owning libraries shared insights into how their libraries offered VAT-related services for their users, how their libraries offered VAT services before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, details regarding VAT cleaning practices implemented by their libraries, and what notable challenges their libraries faced while providing VAT services before and during the pandemic.

Conclusions: This preliminary study’s small sample size provided inconclusive data to assess whether libraries are favorable venues for virtual anatomy tables. Therefore, further study is needed to explore the benefits and drawbacks of VATs in libraries. However, the initial data gathered in this study suggests that libraries that are interested in exploring VAT ownership may benefit from pursuing evidence-based decision-making strategies for emerging technologies. Interested libraries may also benefit from speaking with other libraries that own VATs to learn from their experiences.