Download - Libraries And Second Life
Libraries and Second Life: Getting Started in Virtual Reality
Susan Acampora
Systems Librarian
The College of New Rochelle
May 8, 2009
• To introduce Second Life
• To introduce library initiatives in SL
• To encourage other librarians to become involved
• To provide information on getting started
• To share useful resources
Presentation Goals
Presentation Resources
Library Resource Guide:
Libraries and Second Life
http://libraryguides.cnr.edu
We don’t stop playing because we grow old.
We grow old because we stop playing.
George Bernard Shaw
Where is Virtual Reality?
L'atmosphère: météorologie populaire - Camille Flammarion, 1888
Image from Wikipedia
Virtual Worlds Abound
http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/ http://www.virtualworldsreview.com/
http://librariansmatter.com/blog/2008/08/07/around-40-virtual-worlds-in-seven-
minutes/
THEREhttp://www.there.com
Active Worlds Educational Universe
http://www.activeworlds.com/edu/awedu.asp
MOOVE Onlinehttp://www.moove.com
Kanevahttp://www.kaneva.com
Second Lifehttp://www.secondlife.com
Second Life
• over 12 Million registered users
• Monthly traffic average
»about 1.4 million people worldwide
»402,000 from the USA
Statistics:
http://www.quantcast.com/secondlife.com
So what exactly is Second Life?
• Online 3D, Digital, Interactive,
• Social Networking Environment.
• A platform that enables users throughout the world to create and collaborate and interact.
• And, that extends and envelops the Internet into a 3 dimensional experience.
SL grew out of gaming tradition but it is not a game.
Unlike Gamers, SL Users :
Do Not follow a predetermined set of
objectives.
and
Do Not strive to complete tasks
- to advance through levels of
achievement to reach their goals.
Rather, SL is…a MUVEa Multi-User Virtual Environment
– open-ended, un-restricted, and immersive,– imagined, created and managed by its users,
– The 3D Internet
• …Users participate in much the same activities as they would in real life,
• …and in the same tasks as they do elsewhere on the internet.
SL is made up of scores of digital land parcels called islands that together form “the grid” or the whole of SL.
Inhabited by users, called “residents” represented by digital images of
themselves, called “avatars.”
Who envision, own, create, and build their world
A world enveloped by land, sky, sea, space….
…and gravity…yes we can fly!
Avatars can…
• Communicate (chat, IM, or voice)
• Travel (walk, run, drive, sail, fly, dance, swim or teleport)
• Socialize (dances/concerts/lectures/cultural events)
• Work (volunteers or for Linden Dollars L$1000 =$4 USD)
• Buy, Sell, Trade RL or SL items
• Own Land
• Take Classes
• Play or Study
Avatars Can Even Have A Pet
A Bit of SL History
Snow Crash by
Neal Stephenson
1992
• A Futuristic Novel,
• characters live and function much of the time in a virtual reality called the “Metaverse”
• a term often used to refer to Second Life.
• Snow Crash was a major influence on the creator of Second Life.
Born in 1968
Immersed in Sci Fi and Technology
An Entrepreneur
-In 1999 opened Linden
Labs, on Linden Alley in
San Francisco.
-Evolved his early virtual
world experiments into
Second Life.
- SL launched April 2003
Philip Rosedale
Second Life was originally called
Linden World
Reminiscent of early computer games, it evolved
from a firey, battle-torn terrain featuring a
humanoid named Primitar, to…
A complex, interactive community.
How do Educator’s See Second Life
New Media Consortium and Educause.
Began in 2002. Published yearly.
Identifies emerging technologies expected to have a significant impact on higher education.
In 2007, identified Virtual Reality as a major technology to evolve over the third adoption horizon of 4 to 5 years.
The Horizon Report
Praise for Virtual Worlds
“ …they are growing in popularity because they combine many of the elements that make Web 2.0 really exciting: social networking, the ability to share rich media seamlessly, the ability to connect with friends, a feeling of presence, and a connection to the community.
http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2007_Horizon_Report.pdf
“Over 200 academic institutions in SL as of 2008.”
Pathfinder Linden
Second Life Acknowledges and Supports Education
• SLED Second Life for Educators Web Site
http://secondlife.com/education
– SLED Blog https://blogs.secondlife.com/community/community/education
– SLED Listservhttps://lists.secondlife.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/educators
SLEDucators also maintain a SLED Wikihttp://www.simteach.com/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Life_Education_Wiki
Educational Institutions in SL
Bradley University Cullom-Davis Library – Peoria, ILL.
Graduate School Virtual Ed SeriesSecond Life 101
Class held at SL Campus of Bradley University
NMC : New Media Consortium
NMC : New Media Consortium
NMC is an international, non-profit
consortium .
Approx. 300 educational institutions.
Dedicated to the exploration and use of
new media and new technologies.
http://www.nmc.org/
A Class at NMC Campushttp://sl.nmc.org/about/
NMC Malcolm Brown Library
NMC Movie “Seriously Engaging: The Story of the NMC Campus in Second Life”
http://sl.nmc.org/2006/06/12/seriously-engaging-movie/
NMC Blog: The Campus Observer
http://sl.nmc.org/
University of Utah – Marriott Library
Stanford University Libraries
San Jose State University GSLIS
SJSU Library Student at Work
What Are Librarians Doing in SL?
• Building Virtual Libraries
• Providing Reference Services to Online Communities
• Creating Online Collections
• Hosting and Holding Events
– Art Exhibits, Tours, Book Discussions, Classes
• Volunteering in SL Libraries
• Marketing
• Providing SL Skills Building Workshops
• Networking with colleagues around the world• Translation Programs are available
Preparing for the Future
SL is in Formative stages.
The efforts of librarians are helping to set the foundation for the future of distance and virtual education.
• Research and Development
• Exploring and Integrating New Tools for Better Information Delivery
Information Delivery
– Reference (On-Site, Roaming)
– Linked Objects
– Information Architecture
– Immersive Learning
– Integration with Existing Systems: CMS
Reference Service
Synchronous Communicationvs
Asynchronous Communication
Reference Synchronous Communication
Communication: Local Chat, IM, Group IM, Voice
Info Bots/Chat Bots
These botsimpart information in the absence of a librarian.
Sometimes automated interactive games are used.
Asycnchronous Communication
Digital Objects
Some Objects Are Simply Readable
But Most Objects Link to Information
Linking to Notecards
Linking to Places Via Teleport
Teleport Directory
Teleport to Subject Library
Objects Linking to Media:Slideshows
Library Events
History of Virtual Reality
Objects Linking to Video
Objects Linking to Web Sites
That launch your web browser and bring you to a website.
The Virtual Harlem Bookstore
The Online Virtual Harlem Bookstore
Architecture as InformationThe Environment Speaks for Itself
Sistine Chapel at VassarThe Environment speaks for itself
The Globe Theatre
A Walk Through Vincent’s Starry Night
St. Pauls Cathedral
Immersive Learning EnvironmentsRole Playing and Re-enactments
• A Librarian may direct a patron to Renaissance Island to interview Henry VIII
Jousting on Renaissance Island
The Land of Lincoln
Systems Integration
SLOODLE which combines Second Life with the
Moodle learning management system.
http://web.me.com/dlaks/FSO
_Blog/LMO/Entries/2009/5/3_
Future_Trends.html
Libraries in Second Life
Two Major Library Initiatives
The Alliance Virtual Library
The Alexandrian Free Library Consortium
Alliance Virtual Library
• Alliance Virtual Library
– Second Life Library Project
– Alliance Library System of Peoria Illinois
– Started with InfoIsland and evolved to 43 island Archipelago
– Staffed by international volunteers 80 hrs/week
– Partnered with • Non Profit • Educational Institutions (SJSU)• Government Agencies (CDC)
• Main Islands
– Info Island International
– Info Island 1, 2
– Infotainment
– Cybrary City, 1 and 2
– Ala Arts/Info island
– Renaissance Island
– Health Info Island
– Educ Islands 1,2,3,4
– There are many information centers in each island.
Info Island Foster Library
Library collections on agriculture, art and crafts, astronomy, fashion, geography, history, math, military science, sports, veterinary science, world literature.
Info Island International
Information, Communications and Technology Library
• General Info Tech Resources • Teacher’s Toolkits• SL guides to building, scripting, appearances• Vendor Products Links• Freeware
Sci Fi and Fantasy Portal
• A Tribute to Snow Crash
Mystery Manor
Peace Park – Religious Resources
Health Info Island
The Consumer Health and Medical Libraries - CDC
Rachelville Childrens Library
A whimsical environment of
creatures, castles, secret gardens
embedded with links to children’s
and young adult literature
For more information on libraries in the AVL and elsewhere see the SLED Wiki or
Infoisland.org (AVL Blog)
The Alexandrian
Free Library Consortium
AFLC
A consortium of community-based libraries.
Affiliated with:
-Alliance Virtual Library,
-The Second Life Library Project,
-Information Island.
Provides services and resources suited to the
various communities they serve.
Caledon
A community dedicated to the 19th
century imagination.Comprised of many locations and libraries
Tenderly cared for by
Director JJ Drinkwater
The Caledon Whitehorn Library
The Madam Curie Library
Reading Room
The Toussaint L'Overture
Community Library of New
Toulouse
Dedicated to the spirit of New Orleans, LA and its surrounding swamplands
and bayous from 1890-1920
Complete with a re-creation of the famous New Orleans cemeteries
Cobblestone streets and shops
Take a Ride on theStreetcar Named Desire
Relax in a Cafe
New Toulouse Library
Library Exhibit Reawakening Kate Chopin
Winterfell
The following descriptive narrative is taken from the
Winterfell covenant.
“Winterfell is a twilight dream realm…”
“A gothic fantasy region inspired by the
magnificence of medieval castles…”
The Alexandrian Free
Library Consortium
“…and the romantic elegance of Victorian
manors…”
The Alexandrian Free
Library Consortium
“…basking in the splendor of twilight…”
“Designed and inspired by stories, dreams
and creative interpretations of reality…”
With a magestic Library
With cozy seats, a real time clock,
paintings, bookcases, and mysterious
items.
End your journey at the library with a copy
of Frankenstein or another sci fi or fantasy
book.
Amatsu Shima
Heavenly Island
An Asian inspired community devoted
to tranquility, creativity, and reflection
Filled with exquisite scenery
Getting Started
Front of Gallery
Art Galleries : The Dreams of Children
Getting Started
Conference Spaces
And a Unique Library
Getting Started
Ariel View of Library Complex
Getting Started
Getting Started
House of Tradition – History Library
House of Poetry
Children’s Literature House
Others AFLC Libraries to explore….
The R.F.Burton Public Library of New Babbage
The West of Ireland Library & Cultural Center
The Steeltopia Public Library
The Deadwood Library Association
The Librarium
Getting Started
• Go to http://secondlife.com
• Check the Technical Specifications
• Register free account
• Create an Avatar
• Download the Second Life Viewer
• Log in to enter Second Life
• Arrive at Orientation Island to learn the basics of getting around, chatting, etc.
Other Sites for Continued Learning
• Help Island Public
Building tutorial and sandbox to practice in
• NMC Orientation Center
• Virtual Ability
• The Ivory Tower of Primitives (Building Tutorials)
NMC Orientation Center
Instruction Boards for Training
Virtual Ability http://virtualability.org/
An Island dedicated to assisting people with disabilities explore and integrate into virtual worlds.
AN EXCELLENT SITE FOR ALL BEGINNERS IN SL
Provides lessons, exercises and tests
Ends with• a free shopping spree to help develop appearance
• a Mentor section where you may ask questions
Learn to Move
Manage Your Appearance
Learn to Communicate, Make Friends, Join Groups
Navigate
Control Your Perspective
Learn to Fly
Dance
When You Are Ready to BuildVideo by Torley Linden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcdtU485BqQ
The Ivory Tower of Primitives
“A complete self paced tutorial of the SL building system.”
More Help Getting Started F1• SL Support Portal
– http://secondlife.com/support• Knowledge Base • Second Life Support Videos
• SL Blogs and Wikis and Forums– https://blogs.secondlife.com/– http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/– http://forums.secondlife.com/
• New Media Consortium Training Videoshttp://sl.nmc.org/wiki/Intro_videos
• Videos – You Tube – SL Tutorialshttp://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=second+life+tutorial&aq=f
• SL’s Guide to Getting Started– http://static-secondlife-
com.s3.amazonaws.com/downloads/Second_Life_Quickstart.pdf
– Second Life: The Official Guide.
Michael Rymaszewski
– Second Life for Dummies.
Sarah Robbins and Mark Bell
– How to Do Everything with Second Life.
Richard Mansfield
– Designing Your Second Life.
Rebecca Tapley
Books
How to Get Started as a
Librarian in SL
Professional Development
Opportunities
Virtual Education Series• Graduate School of Library and Information Science – University
of Illinois – Urbana Champaign and the Alliance Library System
http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/VW/
SPRING 2009 Courses
Second Life 101 and 102
Virtual World Librarianship
Working with a Class in Second Life
Setting Up an Educational Presence in Second Life
Setting up Your Library or Museum in SL
Instructional Tools for Second Life
Professional Development
Professional Development
Washington University
Attend Conferences
Workshop on Creating Books in SL
Attend Library EventsTo Find Events: Join Groups Search SL – IM Group Owner to Join
-Librarians of Second Life / Alliance Volunteers /
Info Groupies / Second Life for Educators
Find Library Events• Check the Bulletin Boards
• Check Listservs, Blogs
AVL Blog Calendar (infoisland.org)
And Read SL newsletters and SL
magazines :
Rez-Libris
RezLibris: A Magazine for LibrariansAvailable monthly at http://rezlibris.com
rezlibris Events
Rezlibris mvplayer winner
Social Networking Site: Second Life Librarians
http://sllibrarians.ning.com/
Volunteer Opportunities
How to Volunteer
• IM AVL Library Volunteer Coordinator:
Marimar Berchot
(SL Name)
– Tour Guide
– Guide Coordinator
– Reference
– Cataloging
– Collections
– Events and Exhibits
– Open to Ideas
Resources
Book and Website
http://www.virtualworldsreallibraries.info/
Rezlibris is a great venue to read and publish Virtual Librarianship
Library Technology Reports
May 2009
Educause Resourceshttp://www.educause.edu/resources
• A.J. Kelton. Director, Emerging InstrucctionalTechnologies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State University:
– 7 Things You Should Know About Second Life
– Virtual Worlds, Outlook Good
– Second Life: Reaching into the Virtual Worlds for Real-World Learning (Excellent Tour of Sites)
Three Educause Reports
From the Virtual Worlds 2009 Conference: Libraries, Education and
Museums
http://facstaff.elon.edu/mconklin/pubs/glshandout.pdf
Questions and answers in a virtual world:
Educators and Librarians as Information
Providers in Second Life.
By Lorri Mon, Florida State University
http://journals.tdl.org/jvwr/article/view/398/452
NEW ONLINE JOURNAL Launched March 2009
Devoted entirely to Education in Virtual Reality
http://jvweducation.org/
Luo, L. (2008, August). Reference service in
Second Life: an overview. Reference Services
Review, 36(3), 289-300.
Ford, C., Gerardin, J., Yamamoto, M., & Gordon,
K. (2008, Summer 2008). Fresh Perspectives
on Reference Work in Second Life. Reference
& User Services Quarterly, 47(4), 324-330
van der Ven, C. (2008, March). Second Life: A
Tool for Reference and International
Understanding. Reference Librarian, 49(2),
149-161.
Three Articles
Or Use the Search and IM Feature in SL to Contact Our Team
• Jennifer Ransom
SL Name =
JennLibrarienn Lennie
• Kathy Mannino
SL Name =
LibKatt Follett
• Ana Fontoura
SL Name =
Mariana Nansen
Susan AcamporaSL Name = GallateaSu Beaumont and
and Oliver SL Name = Doobie!
• Including the CNR Team• Neptune Umbarundu• Puglet Dancer• JJ Drinkwater• Rocky Valejo• Lorillei Junot• Abbey Zenieth• Cleopatra Guyot• River Bremer• Sarahlin Constantine
This presentation is dedicated to all the wonderful, innovative SL librarians and educators who helped me get started!