Librarian-Scientist(s) Collaboration in Harnessing the Potential of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) for Veterinary and Animal Sciences Education and Training: A Success Story of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana

Abstract

The livestock sector is a key component of the global food system, having a vivacious role in securing food and nutritional security, and generating rural employment. The competency and skills of veterinary professionals are primary to the progression of the livestock sector. The veterinary professionals go through rigorous academic programme(s) comprising of clinical and para-clinical subjects, aimed to develop them as accomplished veterinary professional(s) to serve the speechless creatures. Consequent upon absence of precise understanding of processes/ procedures involved in handling cases, failure on part of professionals may lead to the mortality of animal(s). Besides, animal protection regulatory bodies may impose restrictions over in-situ cadaver exposure, leaving a few opportunities for veterinary students to learn with live animals in a practical setting. The two-dimensional graphics, texts, and/or videos in veterinary instruction as an alternative have their own shortfalls. In such a scenario, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) open up new vistas to address these problems permitting real like animal handling experiences and an immersive environment for experiential learning. These technologies allow students to understand intricate procedure(s) meticulously and enhance their clinical reasoning abilities to support healthy livestock sector.

This paper discusses the success story of librarian-scientist(s) collaboration for harnessing the potential of this novel technology in veterinary and animal sciences education and training at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana (India), which was an outcome of exposure to the technology at IFLA WLIC 2019 at Athens, Greece. In addition, instances of use of AR and VR in veterinary and animal sciences, globally, have been discussed.

Keywords: Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Veterinary, Education and Training, Ludhiana.