Do you think that libraries should be in virtual worlds such as Second Life, why or why not?I think libraries and universities would benefit from being on second life because it is a creative way to collaborate with other librarians and patrons and it is a chance to reach a different set of users, but I think that it would be hard to set up a second life for a library. I think large libraries and universities would have a better chance of using the new technology because they probably have the staff needed to set up and maintain the account, but I don’t think smaller libraries, like my local library would be able to start up a second life. I don’t think smaller libraries have the staff needed to maintain it, and even if there was one staff member that was really passionate about being on Second life, I think they would have a lot of work to do because they would have to do it by themselves or fight really hard to find support for their cause. I also think that in both large and small libraries that second life might be met with resistance. I find Second Life very frustrating because I don’t know the technology and I want to be able to just start doing things, and not have to take tons of tutorials. Once I figure things out ( like how to make my avatar’s hair longer) I feel like I accomplished something, but if I had to create an account for my library or make an island for my library I would be so overwhelmed. I would find out as much as possible about it, but I know I would get frustrated with it, and I think others will probably feel the same way about implementing Second Life into the library. I think learning the technology is the biggest challenge with Second Life, but it having a presence on second life could be very rewarding for the librarian and the library because of the connections and relationships that can be made.
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With my first adventures in Second Life, I was also frustrated. I consider myself web-savvy, but do not find SL very intuitive (for me, at least...I realize everyone's intuition isn't the same). For being part of the generation that grew up with video games, I am most definitely not a gamer and do not have those type of experiences on which to rely. (How little do I game and how bad am I at it? I've never made it to the end of Mario. 1. On original Nintendo. Ha!) However, like any new skill, it takes practice. I am not in Second Life as much as some of my colleagues, but I have progressed to a point where I can function. I can get where I need to go, fly, walk, sit, stand, gesture, chat. I can't build anything, but I can change my appearance (with brief bouts of unintentional baldness and nudity). Overall, with a little practice, some patience, a bit of trial, and a lot of error, I've become comfortable with my SL abilities. More so, I am glad I have explored it and have enough knowledge to discuss its potential uses, advantages, disadvantages, etc.
Hi Jenna,
You took the words right out of my mouth. As I sat there last night trying to figure out how to answer the question you answered I came up with similar thoughts. I think it's a cool place to visit and definitely need to see more, especially on Info Island International. I think it is a great place for larger libraries but not really the smaller ones. And the learning curve is something to take notice of. I kept thinking that if my professor had their office hours on SL and the class had not been working in SL, I may not ever go to office hours. It's a barrier. And for those of use who are motivated and want the challenge we will break through, but some, I fear, will not and will miss out on counselor advice, or a great lecture.
Sarah Naumann