Virtual Archives @ Stanford University Library

Mattie Taormina, Head of Public Service & Processing Manuscripts Librarian for
Stanford University’s Special Collections and University Archives hosted a virtual “Open House” in Second Life (SL) on Friday morning, 7-31-09. Avatars "dropped in" for an overview of Stanford's new Virtual Archives.

Now scholars (and anyone) can visit Stanford's closed stacks and browse manuscript collections—this option is not allowed in real life, so it opens the small collection to the world. According to Mattie, "Patrons can open virtual Hollinger boxes and a sampling of scanned documents from the real life box will appear along with a link to that collection’s online finding aid. They can then post their reference questions on the bulletin board which sends email to our Special Collections staff. Stanford's Virtual Archive provides access to patrons around the world without endangering the collection."

Second Life (SL) is an online world where visitors create avatars (representations of themselves), explore places like Stanford and other libraries, and interact with others from in real time. Today's tour brought together visitors (avatars) from across the country. See the above snapshot of the visitors to Stanford Virtual Archives and my avatar below, looking at an archival photo. Reference in SL occurs through in-world text and voice chat as well as our reference bulletin board. SL coordinates for Stanford Virtual Archives = 85/224/33.

St. Pat's Day Party in Second Life

This evening, the Chicago Public Schools Department of Libraries hosted a Saint Patrick's Day party in Second Life (SL). We were invited by Elaine Tulip as follows:

"Join librarians and educators for a Chicago-style St. Patrick's Day party on Thur, Mar 12 at 6pm SLT! We will have a live DJ playing celtic and blues music in our jazz club, free gifts, refreshments, and an Irish trivia scavenger hunt. The Chicago River is dyed green for the occasion."

Once Avatars transported to the coordinates (79.23.23), they were invited to get dancing capabilities, so mine danced and danced. See my avatar dancing by the pot of gold? Some avatar accepted green hats of several styles, and others held golden brew in beer mugs. After enough partying, I commented in the chat window that it was a "Great party. Thanks to the Chicago Public School Libraries for hosting." Elaine replied, "Thanks for coming!"

Second Life TV -

At 5 pm on February 17, I logged into Second Life as "CyberLibrarian Wrangler" and participated in a Second Life program by ISTE eduverse Talks: Beyond the Dewey Decimal System. It was captured on Second Life TV, so check it out. The sound cuts out from time to time, but overall it is very good.

• Presenters: Several library technology pioneers spoke about when and why they joined Second Life, their early frustrations, and what they are doing and why they are staying. Host Kevin Jarrett talks with Area Library Coordinator, Chicago Public Schools Lisa Perez (Elaine Tulip in SL), Librarian, Springfield Township High School (PA) Joyce Valenza (Joyce Story in SL) and Rhonda Trueman (Abbey Zenith in SL)
• Navigating. Practice getting around in Second Life -- there is a steep learning curve, especially if you "dip in" only 1-2 times a month or so. I "transported" myself to the event, "sat" in the back row, and got my bearings while listening to the program. This archived version is much superior than my experience participating and watching live! :)
  
• Book Review. Learn about the book co-authored by Lori Bell and Rhonda Trueman, "Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries."
  

Second Life Creator Philip Rosedale - TED Talk

Here is a presentation by Second Life (virtual world) founder Philip Rosedale, chair of Linden Labs, the company behind the 3D world. His focus is on virtual worlds as platforms for creativity.