Learning to provide 3D virtual reference: A library science assignment (original) (raw)

In Spring Semester 2009, two of the authors taught LIB 5020-Information Sources & Services to graduate library science students at Appalachian State University. The course covers information seeking patterns and provides an overview of reference services. The course is also designed to examine and evaluate library reference materials and other information sources (print, audiovisual and electronic) used in support of informational and recreational needs of youth and adults. This paper discusses one class assignment, in which the students were paired together to role play the reference interaction between a librarian and student in a 3D virtual learning community. This paper reports the assignment's evolution, learning objectives, discusses the students' reactions to working as a virtual librarian, and includes ways to improve the assignment in the future. Background: Appalachian State University (ASU) uses a 3D, immersive, web-based world, called the AETZone (Appalachian Education Technology Zone). The AETZone is used by four distance education graduate programs: Instructional Technology, School Administration, Library Science, and Higher Education. It facilitates instructional delivery, provision of library support and services, and collaboration across programs. The 3D virtual learning environment also promotes active engagement between students, faculty, and librarians and a strong sense of online community. The virtual library in the AETZone, the Information Gardens, was designed and built by the Distance Learning Library Services Team at ASU. The Team delivers research support, library instruction, and access to library resources to all off-campus students which include students taking classes and faculty teaching in the AETZone. Within the Zone, methods of communication include avatar gestures, text-chat, and VoIP (voice over internet). Metaphors are used throughout the Information Gardens to represent real world objects and they link to resources and information. Over the avatar, the user's name is displayed, so one of the author's label, for example, is "Librarian Geri" in the AETZone. The Library Science Program at Appalachian State University offers a Master's of Library Science (MLS) degree in School and Public Libraries. The program is a major educator of school and public librarians for North Carolina and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and by the North Carolina Public Library Commission. In Spring 2009, there were seven graduate students enrolled in the Information Sources & Services course. All the students had work experience in North Carolina Public Schools. All were just beginning their graduate work for a MLS degree and none had experience doing