Virtual Worlds Real Libraries: Librarians and Educators in Second Life and Other Multi-user Virtual Environments.

Virtual Worlds Real Libraries: Librarians and Educators in Second Life and Other Multi-user Virtual Environments. Virtual Worlds Real Libraries: Librarians This is a list of people who have practised as a librarian and are well-known, either for their contributions to the library profession or primarily in some other field. and Educators in SecondLife and Other Multi-user Virtual Environments ED. BY LORI BELL AND RHONDA B. TRUEMAN Medford, N J: Information Today, 2008. 234 pp. US$39.50 soft coverISBN ISBNabbr.International Standard Book NumberISBNInternational Standard Book NumberISBNn abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m 9781573873611 In April 2007 Gartner, the renowned IT consulting firm Noun 1. consulting firm - a firm of experts providing professional advice to an organization for a feeconsulting companybusiness firm, firm, house - the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments; "he worked for a , predictedthat by 2011, 80 per cent of active Internet users and Fortune 500companies would have a presence in a virtual world. As Gartner'spast predictions have had some validity, this is something thatlibraries should be aware of and looking into. In April 2007 Gartner, the renowned IT consulting firm, predictedthat by 2011, 80 per cent of active Internet users and Fortune 500companies would have a presence in a virtual world. As Gartner'spast predictions have had some validity, this is something thatlibraries should be aware of and looking into. Several libraries have taken the initiative and have been workingin MUVEs (multi-user virtual environments), including, but notrestricted to, Second Life. This collection of articles outlines theconcepts of MUVEs and describes the innovative projects that librarieshave undertaken in them. It also goes on to cover the potential forlibraries within these innovative interfaces. It does so in several parts. Part 1 explores Virtual Worlds andLibraries, including an overview of libraries and MUVEs, an introductionto massive multiplayer online worlds (MMOs), library and otherapplications for virtual worlds and young people, and the history ofedutainment Educational material that is also entertaining. (application) edutainment - Interactive education and entertainment services or software, usually supplied commercially via a cable network or on CD-ROM. and how virtual worlds apply. Part 2 explores the experiences of the Alliance Library System, theleader in Second Life library services. Here the focus is on managingvirtual environments, experience with and creation of spaces withinSecond Life, provision of reference services in a virtual world,collections in virtual worlds, virtual communities, virtual worldservices for teens, health services health servicesManaged care The benefits covered under a health contract in virtual worlds, science fictionand its affect on virtual worlds as well as readers advising, volunteersand more. Part 3 moves the focus to virtual worlds and education. Thisincludes gaining the needed support for a library presence in virtualworlds, teaching in a virtual setting, library instruction in virtualworlds, the provision of virtual distance learning services, theStanford Libraries' MUVE experience and using them for classes andto involve students in library projects. This book consists of stories on the potential and successes andfailures of the projects that libraries are conducting in MUVEs, as wellas a handbook and guide for libraries who seek to become involved withtheir own projects in virtual worlds. Much groundwork has been laid bylibraries going before, and high and lows, benefits and pitfalls arewell documented here. Although much of the content is focused on theworld of the Alliance Library System in Second Life, there is anopportunity here for libraries to learn about services in virtualworlds. Whether you just want to learn about what MUVEs may mean tolibraries or you want your library to become involved in doing somethingwithin virtual worlds, this book should be one of your key referencepoints. Michelle McLean Michelle McLean was crowned Miss Universe in 1992. She represented Namibia, and became the first contestant from Namibia to win the crown.Before she became Miss Universe, McLean competed in Miss World 1991, where she finished in the top 5. Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation