Inf206 – Social Networking for information Professionals
Description of Inf206
This evaluation is of the subject Inf206 - Social Networking for information Professionals. Throughout this subject, students had to use and assess Web 2.0 technologies, discover how the use of these technologies can change the way libraries deliver their services and what policy issues may arise from using Web 2.0 technologies. Inf206 was delivered through 5 modules - Web 2.0, Social networking and the social life of information; Web 2.0 technologies and social software; Library 2.0 and participatory library services; Making Web 2.0 work for your organisation; and Social networking and information policy.
Learning objectives
- Demonstrate an understanding of social networking technologies;
- Demonstrate an understanding of concepts, theory and practice of Library 2.0 and participatory library service;
- Be able to critically examine the features and functionality of various social networking tools to meet the information needs of users;
- Be able to evaluate social networking technologies to support informational and collaborative needs of workgroups, communities and organisations; and
- Demonstrate an understanding of the social, cultural, educational, ethical, and technical management issues that exist in a socially networked world, and how information policy is developed and implemented to support such issues.
Evaluation
Over the 13 week course of this subject, I (as a student) had to complete all 5 modules, as well as completing activities which were later posted to this blog.
Use of Web 2.0 technologies
The amount of Web 2.0 technologies available for use has increased immensely since the term was developed. The web has become a social space, where people go not only to find information, but to also find out what is happening in their network of friends, colleagues, shared interest groups and everyone else who exists in their personal online reality.
My understanding of all web 2.0 technologies discussed and explored throughout this subject, as well as some extra’s I discovered during the session, has increased. The Web 2.0 tool I have increased my use and understanding of most would have to be Twitter. Before undertaking this subject, my use of Twitter consisting solely of following a few comedians for a laugh and now, as evident by this post, I am using it more for professional development than personal amusement. Though there are still some personal amusement pieces in there.
Library/Librarian 2.0
Library 2.0 means libraries getting involved in the Web 2.0 and social networking world by using the technologies to create a participatory library service, where not only the library staff, but the patrons contribute to the library services (Hay, 2010). “Any service, physical or virtual, that successfully reaches users, is evaluated frequently, and makes use of customer input is a Library 2.0 service.” (Casey & Savastinuk, 2006).
An example of 2.0 technologies integrated into current services is the OPAC becoming a participatory service. Users can tag items with their own keywords, find similar items through the tags, add reviews and use other technologies to preview/purchase items.
A lot of Web 2.0 technologies are a bright spark, meaning that they can come and go very quickly as opposed to the slow burn technologies which can last a while (ALA Publishing, 2010). It is up to the Librarian 2.0 to evaluate new technologies and determine what their overall effectiveness will be in the library 2.0 environment.
After reading many of the resources available on Library/Librarian 2.0 I devised a brief list of the qualities the 2.0 Librarian needs to possess. This list is not exhaustive, as time constraints and personal circumstances limited my full assessment of the topic.
Policy Issues
As with any new phenomenon, unforeseeable and new aspects of current issues always come into play. The role of information professionals is to create and update policies in accordance with issues that affect the library services and its patrons.
Privacy is no longer limited to keeping patron records confidential, but keeping the identity of patrons who contribute to participatory services confidential if they choose to. Copyright is easily violated in the online environment, especially the use of images and videos. To counteract this, content creators have the option of granting Creative Commons licence permissions, which allow others to use the content according to the licence applied.
After viewing a video on the changing world of online information, I identified some of the policy issues they create and discussed the need for new/updated policies here.
Reflective Statement
Development over the course of this subject
Having been a user of Web 2.0 technologies such as Facebook, Google Reader, Listserves and YouTube for several years, I was fairly confident in what my performance would be like before beginning this subject. In the back of my mind I knew this subject wouldn’t all be about tinkering with Web 2.0 technologies, but I think I was hoping it would be that easy. This subject wasn’t difficult (though figuring out what to write for this was a challenge) but it definitely wasn’t all about the playing.
I have been using Web 2.0 technologies for personal uses rather than professionally. There are people and organisations in my Google Reader that are related to my profession as a Library Technician (on family leave) at a P-9 multicampus college, though again, I see this as personal use, as I am not actively contributing my learning through this avenue to my profession. Throughout this subject though, I have increased my readership of professional ‘news’ from not only my Google Reader, but now Twitter (see my above posting) and to a lesser extent Facebook.
I have wanted to introduce Web 2.0 technologies into my workplace for about 2 years; however, there have always been obstacles. One being that there for several years now, each campus Library Technician has been the highest level of authority employed in the library. The school was trying to employ a teacher librarian for each campus library, but eventually gave up due to the lack of willing or qualified applicants. The second obstacle was the lack of willingness to learn these technologies by the other library technicians. It was pointed out to me during this subject that to create an effective Library 2.0 environment you need cooperation and contribution to the project from more than just me. Not having a direct supervisor to consult with about the possible Library 2.0 implementation meant that anything brought up in discussions was met with a “you want to do it, you’re on your own” attitude as no one else knew how to use the technologies, or was interested in learning how. After completing Assignment 2, I think I will be fairly comfortable with putting forward a proposal to all parties about implementing at least some Web 2.0 technologies to begin our workplace on its Library 2.0 journey.
As an information professional, my knowledge and skill of what is required as a 2.0 Librarian has definitely increased. Whilst I am not currently able to implement any of my learning, completing this subject has helped me discover that it is not just about creating a blog and you are suddenly a 2.0 Library, though it’s a start. There are many things to consider, such as policy issues, especially bullying in a school environment, what 2.0 technologies will best suit the P-9 school environment, and just who will contribute to the technologies implemented.
I am still rather apprehensive on using social networking technologies to further my own career. I have never been the type of person to sell myself very well, and though you would think doing it online would be easier than in person, I’m finding it difficult as it is still me I have to promote. I do however, realise just what social networking can do for a person’s career possibly without that being the initial goal. Persnickety Snark creator Adele Walsh attributes some of her success in gaining her current position as the Program Coordinator of the Centre for Youth Literature situated at the State Library of Victoria, to her blog. “Blogging helped me find a career doing what I love. I get to review, recommend, speak directly to teen literary stakeholders and manage special events” (Walsh, 2011).
References
ALA Publishing. (2010, May 21). ALA TechSource Webinar - Organization 2.0: Building the Participatory Library. Retrieved February 2, 2011, from Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/11929385
Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2006, September 1). Service for the next-generation library. Retrieved January 20, 2011, from Library Journal: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html
Hay, L. (2010). What is Library 2.0? [INF206 Module 3.1]. Retrieved January 15, 2011, from Charles Sturt University: http://interact.csu.edu.au/portal/site/INF206_201090_W_D/page/e282ffd3-b1ef-4b39-00d1-295c60ccab63
Walsh, A. (2011, February 4). What book blogging has given me...and I am not talking "free books". Retrieved February 4, 2011, from Persnickety Snark: http://www.persnicketysnark.com/2011/02/what-book-blogging-has-given-meand-i-am.html
Sunday, February 6, 2011
After the first session we had of Twitter, I realised the potential this could have as an information tool. As a first step, I have used my new found Twitter skills to follow professionals and organisations from the library world and the children and young adults sector as well. I am also following some people just for personal interest. My full list of who I am following can be found at My Twitter Page.
My second step was to ‘Pimp my Desktop’. Inspired by this pic of Lyn Hay’s desktop during the tweetup I downloaded Mozilla Firefox to become my main browser, then added the Yoono add on, to keep my most used social networking tools in one place. The following 2 pics are the before and after shots of my desktop.
Before
After
While I forgot to take the second pic at the time, during the second Twitter session I was watching the video we were asked to view while the session was going on. I could view this video in the main window, while still paying attention to what other students and Lyn were saying via Yoono. This is probably my most improved area of using social networking technologies throughout this subject.
Since downloading Firefox I have also added a few new add-ons. Google Reader, to alert me when I have new feeds to read, Delicious, for easy tagging of any website at any time, and the weather, to keep track of it at any time
My second step was to ‘Pimp my Desktop’. Inspired by this pic of Lyn Hay’s desktop during the tweetup I downloaded Mozilla Firefox to become my main browser, then added the Yoono add on, to keep my most used social networking tools in one place. The following 2 pics are the before and after shots of my desktop.
Before AfterWhile I forgot to take the second pic at the time, during the second Twitter session I was watching the video we were asked to view while the session was going on. I could view this video in the main window, while still paying attention to what other students and Lyn were saying via Yoono. This is probably my most improved area of using social networking technologies throughout this subject.
Since downloading Firefox I have also added a few new add-ons. Google Reader, to alert me when I have new feeds to read, Delicious, for easy tagging of any website at any time, and the weather, to keep track of it at any time
Thursday, February 3, 2011
What policy issues have resulted from social networking?
Shifts in digital citizens:
1. Newspaper circulation down 7million over the last 25 years. Movement to online news readers has increased to 30 million over the last 5 years.
2. More videos have been uploaded to YouTube in 2 months than has been broadcast 24/7 on selected networks since 1948.
3. The shift from visiting traditional websites (10 million unique visits per month) to social networking sites (250 million unique visits per month).
4. President Barack Obama raising more funds for his campaign using social networking sites than John McCain did attending fundraising events.
5. Disciplinary action being taken by employers against employees for violating blog/IM policies.
How do the above shifts impact the need for information policies in the workplace?
The shift from traditional mediums to online mediums means people are using the internet more and for everyday needs, whether it is for work related needs or personal needs. If a statement from a workplace is not issued by them as to how an employee should be using these resources during work hours, an employee may take advantage and use them for personal means rather than for work related activities.
Uploading any content to the internet is considered publishing, and therefore is protected by copyright as intellectual property. To protect the workplace from legal action, companies should have in place strong policies outlining copyright laws and the exact licensing (if any) arrangements they have in place. Content creators should also be made aware of their intellectual property rights, especially when they may not even realise they have any.
Due to the increase in use of social networking sites, privacy issues with regard to the workplace need to be addressed in an information policy. What employees (as representatives of the workplace) can disclose online and what they can’t need to be as clearly outlined as the same policies for face to face interaction.
Overall, content creators need to be aware that there can and will (if necessary) be consequences to their online postings, especially as there is no such thing as personal in social networking. This needs to be outlined in a policy and employees need to be made aware of possible consequences of their actions.
1. Newspaper circulation down 7million over the last 25 years. Movement to online news readers has increased to 30 million over the last 5 years.
2. More videos have been uploaded to YouTube in 2 months than has been broadcast 24/7 on selected networks since 1948.
3. The shift from visiting traditional websites (10 million unique visits per month) to social networking sites (250 million unique visits per month).
4. President Barack Obama raising more funds for his campaign using social networking sites than John McCain did attending fundraising events.
5. Disciplinary action being taken by employers against employees for violating blog/IM policies.
How do the above shifts impact the need for information policies in the workplace?
The shift from traditional mediums to online mediums means people are using the internet more and for everyday needs, whether it is for work related needs or personal needs. If a statement from a workplace is not issued by them as to how an employee should be using these resources during work hours, an employee may take advantage and use them for personal means rather than for work related activities.
Uploading any content to the internet is considered publishing, and therefore is protected by copyright as intellectual property. To protect the workplace from legal action, companies should have in place strong policies outlining copyright laws and the exact licensing (if any) arrangements they have in place. Content creators should also be made aware of their intellectual property rights, especially when they may not even realise they have any.
Due to the increase in use of social networking sites, privacy issues with regard to the workplace need to be addressed in an information policy. What employees (as representatives of the workplace) can disclose online and what they can’t need to be as clearly outlined as the same policies for face to face interaction.
Overall, content creators need to be aware that there can and will (if necessary) be consequences to their online postings, especially as there is no such thing as personal in social networking. This needs to be outlined in a policy and employees need to be made aware of possible consequences of their actions.
Librarian 2.0
What are the essential knowledge, skills and attributes of an information professional in a 2.0 world?
• An understanding of what web 2.0 is.
• An understanding of what drives an information seeker today and what technologies they are using. Goes where the user has gone to better communicate with new and potential users.
• Knowledge of the different tools that are available, and whether they will be useful for use in the library environment, or if they are just a passing craze.
• Will accept change with regard to the way libraries offer services to users.
• Open to new technologies and the way they are used in library processes, for example folksonomies vs. subject headings.
• Involve users in the library processes, see above re folksonomies.
• Advocate the profession and the possibilities that a 2.0 library can bring to a library service to other professionals and users.
• An understanding of what web 2.0 is.
• An understanding of what drives an information seeker today and what technologies they are using. Goes where the user has gone to better communicate with new and potential users.
• Knowledge of the different tools that are available, and whether they will be useful for use in the library environment, or if they are just a passing craze.
• Will accept change with regard to the way libraries offer services to users.
• Open to new technologies and the way they are used in library processes, for example folksonomies vs. subject headings.
• Involve users in the library processes, see above re folksonomies.
• Advocate the profession and the possibilities that a 2.0 library can bring to a library service to other professionals and users.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Effective Library Website Design
10 Criteria
1.Easy navigation. The library website should be easy to use for all users. Navigation bars should be consistent through all pages so the user doesn’t become confused and lost. The Home page should always be accessible easily.
2.Appropriate for audience. The library website should be targeted to the audience it serves. If the library has multiple levels to its demographic, the website should be sectioned to represent this.
3.Updating/maintaining. Library websites are a source of information for their users, therefore, all information and links they contain need to be updated and maintained regularly so that users can be assured of the currency of the information when utilising the library website.
4.Popular technologies. Libraries need to keep abreast of technologies their users are using, so that they can incorporate these technologies into their own websites and go where their users are.
5.Location, location, location. The information a library wishes to convey most should not be buried at the bottom of the homepage.
6.Blah, blah, blah...What? Users prefer to scan pages for information, rather than read extensive paragraphs (Titta, 2001), so ensure information is provided in small chunks.
7.2-way communication. With the creation of web 2.0, users are no longer happy with one sided ‘dictation’ from websites. Allow users to communicate with the library via the website and be sure to respond to any comments.
8.A picture is worth a thousand words. Use images and/or icons to break up the monotony of text on the library website. Keep in mind, however of download times on different bandwidths. If something takes too long to download, users will generally close the site and find information elsewhere.
9.Promotion. Users will often visit the virtual presence of a library before the physical building, so the website needs to sell the library to its current/potential users.
10.Accessibility. Ensure the library website is accessible from alternate web browsers and mobile devices.
CSU Library Website vs 10 criteria
http://www.csu.edu.au/division/library/
Easy Navigation – The navigation around the CSU Library site is good overall. There is a navigation bar on the left to take the user where they need to go. Some links open in a new window so you never lose the connection with the library page. Some links however, open different sections of the CSU website, with no affiliation to the library so the user is effectively booted from the library site. CSU does have a permanent link in the header for the library in all of its web pages though, so there is always a way back.
Appropriate for audience. The CSU Library site is predominantly used by CSU students and staff. All content is appropriate for this audience.
Updating/Maintaining. The CSU Library website is updated frequently. At the time of writing this, its last update was on the 4th of January 2011. The library could embed the ‘Your Library’ blog into its homepage as its news feature.
Popular Technologies. The CSU Library is using many 2.0 technologies that its users may be tuning into from, for example, Twitter, several Blogs, Live Chat, Forums and RSS feeds.
Information Location. The CSU Library has limited information on its homepage, a news section changes regularly. However the links taking you to different appropriate sections of the library are prominent so minimal amounts of ‘scrolling’ are necessary.
Minimal text. Information on the CSU Library website is mostly delivered in short sections. When more information is needed it is usually available via different links/expanded sections.
2-way communication. CSU Library has several ways for users to communicate with the library including Twitter, forums, ask a librarian, blog comments and feedback forms. The Library could benefit from a Facebook presence, as there are various CSU sites already on there, but no library presence.
Picture use. CSU Library uses some icons, but very little pictures on its website.
Promotion. As the CSU Library is used by both on campus and off campus students, the library website has all of its ‘instore’ features available online so that it is usable by all users.
Accessibility. CSU Library works equally with both Internet Explorer and FireFox. The website is accessible for smart phone mobile phones, however is not specifically designed to work on them.
References
Titta, C. (2001). Writing well for the web. Retrieved April 6th, 2010, from Web Reference: http://www.webreference.com/content/writing/
1.Easy navigation. The library website should be easy to use for all users. Navigation bars should be consistent through all pages so the user doesn’t become confused and lost. The Home page should always be accessible easily.
2.Appropriate for audience. The library website should be targeted to the audience it serves. If the library has multiple levels to its demographic, the website should be sectioned to represent this.
3.Updating/maintaining. Library websites are a source of information for their users, therefore, all information and links they contain need to be updated and maintained regularly so that users can be assured of the currency of the information when utilising the library website.
4.Popular technologies. Libraries need to keep abreast of technologies their users are using, so that they can incorporate these technologies into their own websites and go where their users are.
5.Location, location, location. The information a library wishes to convey most should not be buried at the bottom of the homepage.
6.Blah, blah, blah...What? Users prefer to scan pages for information, rather than read extensive paragraphs (Titta, 2001), so ensure information is provided in small chunks.
7.2-way communication. With the creation of web 2.0, users are no longer happy with one sided ‘dictation’ from websites. Allow users to communicate with the library via the website and be sure to respond to any comments.
8.A picture is worth a thousand words. Use images and/or icons to break up the monotony of text on the library website. Keep in mind, however of download times on different bandwidths. If something takes too long to download, users will generally close the site and find information elsewhere.
9.Promotion. Users will often visit the virtual presence of a library before the physical building, so the website needs to sell the library to its current/potential users.
10.Accessibility. Ensure the library website is accessible from alternate web browsers and mobile devices.
CSU Library Website vs 10 criteria
http://www.csu.edu.au/division/library/
Easy Navigation – The navigation around the CSU Library site is good overall. There is a navigation bar on the left to take the user where they need to go. Some links open in a new window so you never lose the connection with the library page. Some links however, open different sections of the CSU website, with no affiliation to the library so the user is effectively booted from the library site. CSU does have a permanent link in the header for the library in all of its web pages though, so there is always a way back.
Appropriate for audience. The CSU Library site is predominantly used by CSU students and staff. All content is appropriate for this audience.
Updating/Maintaining. The CSU Library website is updated frequently. At the time of writing this, its last update was on the 4th of January 2011. The library could embed the ‘Your Library’ blog into its homepage as its news feature.
Popular Technologies. The CSU Library is using many 2.0 technologies that its users may be tuning into from, for example, Twitter, several Blogs, Live Chat, Forums and RSS feeds.
Information Location. The CSU Library has limited information on its homepage, a news section changes regularly. However the links taking you to different appropriate sections of the library are prominent so minimal amounts of ‘scrolling’ are necessary.
Minimal text. Information on the CSU Library website is mostly delivered in short sections. When more information is needed it is usually available via different links/expanded sections.
2-way communication. CSU Library has several ways for users to communicate with the library including Twitter, forums, ask a librarian, blog comments and feedback forms. The Library could benefit from a Facebook presence, as there are various CSU sites already on there, but no library presence.
Picture use. CSU Library uses some icons, but very little pictures on its website.
Promotion. As the CSU Library is used by both on campus and off campus students, the library website has all of its ‘instore’ features available online so that it is usable by all users.
Accessibility. CSU Library works equally with both Internet Explorer and FireFox. The website is accessible for smart phone mobile phones, however is not specifically designed to work on them.
References
Titta, C. (2001). Writing well for the web. Retrieved April 6th, 2010, from Web Reference: http://www.webreference.com/content/writing/
Monday, January 31, 2011
Library 2.0 – The A-Z of Social Networking
My workplace is a P-9 school library in the western suburbs of Melbourne. We currently use no social networking technologies to connect with our users. We are a multicampus school with 3 school libraries across 4 campuses. The senior campus utilises the public library.
Blog – A blog is the easiest starting point for any library wanting to branch out into the 2.0 world. Blogs can serve individual purposes, such as a book review blog, events blog and a new books blog; however, a blog can also serve as the predominant library website for the beginning 2.0 library. Blogs are easy to update, easy to design and are all round easy to use, for both the blog writer and blog reader. It has been a plan of mine for a long time to create a blog as a website for my current workplace library.
Good reads – An online form of readers’ advisory, Good reads takes the ‘if you liked ______, you’ll love ______’ format off the bookmarks and into the online world. Many social networking tools do this automatically, such as Library Thing. It makes recommendations going by what other Library Thing users have on their shelves. This gives library users not only the opinions of the librarian, but the opinions of those all over the globe.
Help – To create a successful social networking presence, the library would need full cooperation and input from all staff. Currently, the attitude of most library staff employed by the college is very against change. For any real change in the social networking status of the libraries to occur, benefits of the use of social networking would have to be presented to and backed by higher ranked school employees. Each school library has a Library Technician as their highest ranked staff member.
Slideshare – A media hosting tool which host slideshow presentations, Slideshare can host presentations created by teachers for particular learning areas, by the library staff to promote library services, programs or events, or by administration staff to reinforce school rules, or for general announcements.
Youth –We as a school library are serving students aged from 5-15. This demographic, especially the teenagers use a lot of social networking tools, so it makes sense to use these platforms to communicate what the library has to offer them.
Blog – A blog is the easiest starting point for any library wanting to branch out into the 2.0 world. Blogs can serve individual purposes, such as a book review blog, events blog and a new books blog; however, a blog can also serve as the predominant library website for the beginning 2.0 library. Blogs are easy to update, easy to design and are all round easy to use, for both the blog writer and blog reader. It has been a plan of mine for a long time to create a blog as a website for my current workplace library.
Good reads – An online form of readers’ advisory, Good reads takes the ‘if you liked ______, you’ll love ______’ format off the bookmarks and into the online world. Many social networking tools do this automatically, such as Library Thing. It makes recommendations going by what other Library Thing users have on their shelves. This gives library users not only the opinions of the librarian, but the opinions of those all over the globe.
Help – To create a successful social networking presence, the library would need full cooperation and input from all staff. Currently, the attitude of most library staff employed by the college is very against change. For any real change in the social networking status of the libraries to occur, benefits of the use of social networking would have to be presented to and backed by higher ranked school employees. Each school library has a Library Technician as their highest ranked staff member.
Slideshare – A media hosting tool which host slideshow presentations, Slideshare can host presentations created by teachers for particular learning areas, by the library staff to promote library services, programs or events, or by administration staff to reinforce school rules, or for general announcements.
Youth –We as a school library are serving students aged from 5-15. This demographic, especially the teenagers use a lot of social networking tools, so it makes sense to use these platforms to communicate what the library has to offer them.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Second Life
What is Second Life
Second life is an online virtual world, with many features that replicate living in the real world. It allows you to connect, communicate and collaborate with people and organisations all over the world.
Second life allows the user to be anybody they want to be. If in real life you are female and want to be male, go ahead. Too shy to walk around with purple hair in real life? It doesn’t matter in Second Life.
Features and functions
With everything accessible via a control sidebar and easy to use menus, navigation in Second Life is relatively easy, once the user has a grasp of what they are doing.
Second Life has its own currency, Linden dollars. These can be purchased by the user with their credit card. There are however, many free items to be found in Second Life.
Second Life allows the user to voice chat using a microphone, or type chat using the keyboard. Headphones are recommended for those using voice chat to avoid feedback for other users.
The user can change the clothes and style of their avatar with the click of a button. An inventory stores all clothes and objects picked up throughout the users’ time ‘in world’.
How information organisations could use Second Life
The Cybrary City II Public Library is part of the Community Virtual Library, a “virtual library that exists in Second Life” (Community Virtual Library). It offers users internet subject guides, which once clicked on, opens a web browser with a hot list of information sources on a specific topic, such as education or sciences. The library also offers users links to free eBooks from gutenberg.org.
Organisations could also use Second Life to offer reference services, readers’ advisory services, book clubs/talks, host discussion groups, and be a meeting space for groups. Libraries could also host computer sessions normally held in the ‘real world’ library ‘in world’.
Second life allows library employees to connect and collaborate with librarians all over the world. Professional Development (PD) opportunities are accessible for anyone who wishes to attend. PD experiences that may not be available for everyone in real life are now easily access in Second Life.
My Second Life experience
Me - Alita Zerundi in Second Life
Unfortunately, my laptop is not as compatible with Second Life as I would like, however I did manage to navigate my way to several places, including giving myself a self guided tour of Info Island. Aside from the graphics lag, this island offers an array of information for users. The ‘collections’ are organised as different buildings. More information on the collections available on Info Island can be found at http://infoisland.org/collectionsinfo/.
Second life is an online virtual world, with many features that replicate living in the real world. It allows you to connect, communicate and collaborate with people and organisations all over the world.
Second life allows the user to be anybody they want to be. If in real life you are female and want to be male, go ahead. Too shy to walk around with purple hair in real life? It doesn’t matter in Second Life.
Features and functions
With everything accessible via a control sidebar and easy to use menus, navigation in Second Life is relatively easy, once the user has a grasp of what they are doing.
Second Life has its own currency, Linden dollars. These can be purchased by the user with their credit card. There are however, many free items to be found in Second Life.
Second Life allows the user to voice chat using a microphone, or type chat using the keyboard. Headphones are recommended for those using voice chat to avoid feedback for other users.
The user can change the clothes and style of their avatar with the click of a button. An inventory stores all clothes and objects picked up throughout the users’ time ‘in world’.
How information organisations could use Second Life
The Cybrary City II Public Library is part of the Community Virtual Library, a “virtual library that exists in Second Life” (Community Virtual Library). It offers users internet subject guides, which once clicked on, opens a web browser with a hot list of information sources on a specific topic, such as education or sciences. The library also offers users links to free eBooks from gutenberg.org.
Organisations could also use Second Life to offer reference services, readers’ advisory services, book clubs/talks, host discussion groups, and be a meeting space for groups. Libraries could also host computer sessions normally held in the ‘real world’ library ‘in world’.
Second life allows library employees to connect and collaborate with librarians all over the world. Professional Development (PD) opportunities are accessible for anyone who wishes to attend. PD experiences that may not be available for everyone in real life are now easily access in Second Life.
My Second Life experience
Me - Alita Zerundi in Second Life
Unfortunately, my laptop is not as compatible with Second Life as I would like, however I did manage to navigate my way to several places, including giving myself a self guided tour of Info Island. Aside from the graphics lag, this island offers an array of information for users. The ‘collections’ are organised as different buildings. More information on the collections available on Info Island can be found at http://infoisland.org/collectionsinfo/.
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