Virtual Libraries and Education in Virtual Worlds: Twenty-First Century Library Services

Abstract

As the use of the Internet and time spent on the Internet by individuals grows, and the use of virtual worlds like Active Worlds and Second Life increases, the library needs to have an interactive place and role in these worlds as well as a bricks and mortar space. This article provides an overview of what some libraries are doing in these worlds, especially on a collaborative library project in Second Life that was set up by two of the authors, Bell and Pope. The authors discuss and share successes and challenges with the project, how libraries are very relevant in these worlds, and how they can create partnerships with educators.

Surfing for Knowledge: Virtual Libraries and Books on the Web

“…Bell et al (2008) concur with this finding that these virtual spaces will continue to be used. According to the authors of Virtual Worlds: Real Libraries, it is important for libraries to "be where the users are."…”

“…However, Bell et al (2008) found that finding staff and funding are major issues to the virtual libraries in Second Life, along with determining what services residents want. Furthermore, there is a steep learning curve in Second Life.…”

“…Much like the brick and mortar library, residents can attend book discussions, meet authors such as Dean Koontz, view an art show, reenact a piano performance (Bell et al 2008;Grassian & Trueman 2007), and attend meetings or social events (Perez 2009). Bell et al (2008) wrote that The Alliance Library's Second Life presence, Info Archipelago, even provides continuing education for librarians on the social network MySpace. Publishers can also use the virtual library to display their works in various ways: links to their Websites, information on a book, or by allowing residents to copy a book that allows users to read it in SL.…”

“…Librarians can provide information to patrons as they do in the traditional library, a service users want. Bell et al (2008) found that 30% of the questions posed to avatar librarians concerned "traditional library information type questions" (51).…”

Rum, rammer og biblioteker i den virtuelle verden

“…Derfor har det også vaeret en naturlig opgave for bibliotekerne at afprøve de nye virtuelle verdener, specielt Second Life, der efter sin start i 2003 i løbet af få år blev genstand for intens interesse. De første biblioteker etablerede sig i denne virtuelle verden i foråret 2006 (Bell, & al., 2007;Bell, & al., 2008 Selv om det måske giver mening at have mange biblioteker samlet på ét sted i en virtuel verden, som det er svaert at orientere sig i, så er det alligevel tankevaekkende, at en meget stor del af bibliotekerne i Second Life har valgt at klumpe sig sammen på en lille gruppe af øer. Det er svaert ikke at tolke denne frivillige ghettoisering som noget lidt indadvendt, som om de virtuelle biblioteker henvender sig lige så meget til hinanden som til publikum.…”