I believe libraries should be involved based on their patron population and economic standing. For example, on the more controversial side, the library may be located in an area of older generation adults without computer savy skills or perhaps funding would prohibit the library from using SecondLife due to staff time restraints. Another important issue is if the library computers are able to support SL usage.
However, if the library has the capabilities to function and update/staff their SL library then I think it would greatly benefit the library's understanding of future generations and be able to adapt better to future social and popular computer advancements.
I enjoy seeing someone staffing a reference desk in SL and there is a specific group of users that will benefit with library involvement in virtual worlds.
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I didn't really get into it in my post . . . we don't have seniors so much as a high immigrant population with no internet at home. They can't download at the library, so no SL for this demographic at all. I am at a public library and this just wouldn't work for us. You are right on with your comments Amy.
You bring up some good points, especially that SL can be time consuming for staff, that it may not meet the needs of the populations the library serves, and that the library's computers must be able to support SL, which means relatively good computers with good graphics cards and high speed internet. I think SL may not be very practical for most libraries, in terms of setting up a virtual presence for the library in SL. However, libraries could still involve themselves with the SL library/info community by providing access to SL on computers, or giving an SL introduction class, or providing a list of locations and tutorials in SL that will help users get started.
But what it comes right down to is whether any of this meets the needs of the library's community. If there are avid gamers, then it seems like a great opportunity to reach out to them in a more library/information oriented context. But libraries must be careful to assess whether it is appropriate to spend their resources and time with SL. And I think there are varying degrees of involvement with SL, so libraries should determine what is right for them and their patrons.