Exploration in Second Life

I decided to look around in Second Life again to see what it’s all about. I say “again” because I went in a few times about a year ago but didn’t really get anywhere. I visited a few places but never ended up talking to anyone and couldn’t figure out why most of the avatars looked more real than mine. I didn’t see the point of wandering around in an empty landscape.

This time has been more successful. I talked to a librarian on Info Island who suggested that I join the SL librarians group and offered me some new clothes. I soon discovered other sources of free apparel and managed to turn my avatar into something resembling a person. I still have a lot to learn, but have become more aware of the scope of SL through my exploration.

As part of this learning process, I briefly attended a group discussion in SL on teaching and learning in Second Life. Those present consisted mainly of professors and instructors comparing notes on how they were using (or could use) SL in the classroom. However, I’m not sure the SL format has yet developed a good method for in-depth online discussion, as the conversation soon turned into a chatroom-like mess with everyone talking at the same time to different people and nothing making much sense.

Later on, I attended a session at the OLA Conference on SL in academic libraries, by Krista Godfrey and Donna Bourne-Tyson (session 614). They explained that most students are not yet in SL and many don’t know what it is, but that librarians can use this as a learning opportunity for the future, when participation in virtual worlds will likely be more common. Libraries are currently using SL for services such as virtual reference, guest speakers, book talks, and exhibits, as well as distance education. Even so, the interface is limited in that libraries can only link to existing resources found outside SL and create 3D exhibits. On the other hand, the interface is good for constructivist, kinesthetic, and visual learning due to the immersive, collaborative environment that allows individual creativity. Finally, the speakers suggested that librarians should determine whether there is a need for SL at their institution. Will students and/or instructors use and benefit from the new learning environment?

For now my exploration in SL has trailed off. Maybe I’ll try Facebook next…

Filed under: Conferences, Library 2.0, Second Life, Technology

Fun with Cards

Beyond the Book is officially catalogued… on a card.

From Roll Your Own Catalog Card at blyberg.net.

Filed under: Library 2.0

FIS Tea with Stephen Abram

I went to the FIS Tea with Stephen Abram as guest speaker on February 7th. He presented some interesting ideas about libraries and the future.

He suggested there are three main things people go to the library for: interaction, learning, and community. This information was based on a study he was involved in. While this is a great finding, I can’t help thinking that some people really are just going to the library for books and DVDs, but maybe that would fit under learning. He gave the example of seniors who just want a kind word or a conversation with the librarian or technician, not a quick brush through the check-out line with their new books.

This idea of library users wanting interaction led to the idea that interaction can be provided through digital initiatives, and that these initiatives will be crucial to libraries in the future. He mentioned things like Second Life and Library 2.0, along with other elements like new library designs and places for offering service in the community. This has given me something to think about, as I wonder about how this type of digital communication will affect our society as we progress. Even if digital initiatives are becoming more important, I think we still need to maintain a balance between those services and the services offered in person at libraries. If libraries are to be accessible to all, it seems that we need to maintain services for those who don’t have access to the internet and those who want to come to the library for community interaction.

A final point of interest was Abram’s focus on learning styles and their importance to libraries. He suggested that libraries should understand learning styles in order to offer better services, especially to those who don’t learn primarily in a text-based way. He advocated for a greater focus on learning in libraries in general.

Filed under: Learning, Library 2.0, Technology