Creating Information Learning Communities in Second Life (original) (raw)

The Alliance Second Life Library has created a dynamic and interactive information and learning community in Second Life through library, education, non-profit, and other partnerships. The Info Archipelago has grown from one island to over twenty within a year. Library services are provided by over 500 self-identified international library volunteers and creative exhibits, displays, and immersive learning environments are being formed for professional development and Second Life residents. Examples of these include Renaissance Island - dedicated to 16th century Elizabethan life, a science center with over 600 members, individual libraries of all types such as Bradley University which will recreate their campus and contribute to the collaborative library effort, and strategic partnerships with educators to offer for credit courses, non-credit courses, and informal learning opportunities. Through this panel discussion we will share what we have done and also seek input from the audience as to what other types of services would be of benefit to the Second Life education community. In the book Wikinomics by Daniel Tapscott, he discusses the fact that in today's world of rapidly changing technology and increasing amounts of information, it is impossible for one business or agency to be on top of every innovation and new technological development -that to continue to be innovative, businesses and other agencies need to reach out and work with others in new ways -mass collaboration. This is true of the libraries and education agencies in Second Life. No one library could offer 24/7 services in a physical location, an interactive website and a third place, virtual worlds. The Alliance Second Life Library, which started in April 2006 with a rented building, has grown quickly because of volunteer librarians and others from all over the world, libraries which have established presences in Second Life, and educational and non profit partners who all work together to create an information community on the Info Island Archipelago.