Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library
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University of Nebraska Medical Center

McGoogan News

Explore a Hidden Gem: Anatomical Models

Blog author 
Tyler Hamilton, Library Reference Associate 

Although skulls get a lot of attention, McGoogan Library has a myriad of other anatomical models for students, faculty and staff that perhaps you didn’t know about. Hearts, brains and brain stems are other models that also get checked out regularly. Did you know the library has full skeletons and flip charts showing the bones, tissues and organs of the human body? Full skeletons and flip charts are the only models that must remain in the library. Every other model can be checked out and taken home.  

Our collection includes a diverse range of organs, such as a kidney, a pancreas with spleen, eyes, genitalia and an ear canal. There are various limbs, joints and torso—both skeletal and muscular—to support your learning needs. Let us know if there are any models you think we should acquire. 

Why use anatomical models?

Models can be a great resource for a variety of purposes. They can enhance projects, serve as visual aids when instructing, and cater to visual and kinesthetic learners.  

Who can benefit?

  • Students: Whether you’re studying anatomy, physiology, or a related field, these models can help you visualize complex structures and systems.  
  • Faculty and instructors: Use the models to enhance lectures, demonstrations, or hands-on activities in the classroom.  
  • Clinical faculty and house officers: Use models for peer or patient education.  

How to find and access the models

We encourage everyone to explore and utilize these resources—they’re here for you!

New Lighting Enhances Special Collections Vitrine

Blog author 
Carrie Meyer, Associate Dean 

Since last fall, McGoogan Library has been working to refresh the exhibition vitrine visible in the Level 8 elevator vestibule. Since its installation in the late 1990s, the vitrine has showcased rare books from the Special Collections and Archives for visitors. At the time, state of the art fiber optic lighting was installed to allow for illumination of the books without the effect of harmful deterioration brought on by the light. With the renovation of the library in 2020, the footprint of Level 8 changed. New lights were added near the elevator that caused significant glare on the vitrine glass and the book displays were obscured.   

During February 2025, in partnership with the UNMC Department of Facilities Management & Planning, a new LED lighting system was installed in the vitrine to better light the space and decrease the glare, while still maintaining preservation of the rare books. This new system will allow the lighting to be motion activated and give flexibility to adjust the color temperature of the lights to best present the exhibitions displayed in the space. 

Beyond the Lecture: Meet and Greet with Maria Smilios

UNMC students can connect with award-winning author, keynote speaker, and adjunct lecturer, Maria Smilios during one of two meet & greet sessions. As tuberculosis and other infectious diseases remain a concern, discover how previously untold stories from our past, like The Black Angels, can inform current strategies for combating health disparities. 

Bring your questions. Snacks will be provided for in-person attendees. 

Wednesday, April 16 

  •  9–10 a.m. CDT | CNS 40118 or via Zoom  
  • 3–4 p.m. CDT | COPH 3001 or via Zoom 

Book Giveaway

Don’t miss out, the library will hold a drawing for signed copies of Maria’s book, The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis. Individuals can enter online. 

Davis Lecture

Get all the details about this year’s Davis Lecture on Wednesday, April 16 and learn more about Maria Smilios on the library’s blog. 

Register today to attend the Davis Lecture via Zoom.

Dr. Machajewski to Present and Lead AI Workshop

Event: AI-Driven Transformation: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Education and Professional Excellence 
Date: Tuesday, April 8 
Time: 9:30–10:30 a.m. CDT (Presentation) | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CDT (Workshop) 
Location: CON 1010 and online via Zoom

UNMC faculty and staff are invited to AI-Driven Transformation: Shaping the Future of Healthcare on Tuesday, April 8. This will be a hybrid event on the UNMC Omaha campus (CON 1010) and online via Zoom. Attendees will hear from Dr. Szymon Machajewski, a leader in AI and learning analytics. Following his presentation, Dr. Machajewski will lead a workshop. View the event flyer.

Event schedule:

  • 9:30–10:30 a.m. CDT | Presentation
    • From Perceptrons to Professional Practice: AI’s Integrative Role in Healthcare Education 
      • Szymon Machajewski, PhD 
  • 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CDT | Workshop
    • AI Automation for Academic Projects 
      • Optional: Bring a laptop 

Participants can earn a non-credit badge by attending both sessions.  

Lunch will be provided for the first 30 in-person RSVPs for the workshop. Reply by Tuesday, April 1 with your lunch preference. 

Questions or to RSVP for lunch workshop contact Suhasini Kotcherlakota. 

Event sponsored by UNMC Universal Design for Leaning Grant (College of Nursing) and McGoogan Health Sciences Library. 

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