Now what

[Laurie Bridges]

Okay, so I've created an avatar and I'm half-way done with orientation island. Do I need to finish all of the orientation? I got a little bored with it, and I'd rather just leave orientation and learn by trial/error.

Also, how do I join a group? I found the librarians in second life group, but then I couldn't figure out how to join.

And finally...what should a newby do first, after getting off of orientation island?

[Melanie]

At least when I did my orientation I found I didn't need to finish the whole thing. I think if you just complete the orientation objectives that are at the entrances to each area I think then you can leave orientation island. At least that is how I *think* I got out of there.

I can't remember how I joined the librarians on Second Life group. I think I was invited by one of the members.

If what I told you works and you get off orientation island, head over to Info Island and then check out all of the other areas around it (it's all library related). I'm sure you'll run into a librarian there who can help you become a member of the group since I can't seem to remember how!

Have fun exploring!

[Laurie Bridges]

Next question...how can I get off orientation island? I look at my map and it's all blue (there is nothing on it, just blue and the dot for me).

[Melanie]

There should be something on the right side that let's you type in a destination I believe (it's been awhile since I've been on). If you type in "Info Island" it should either give you a list or send you there.

[AbbyNemeth]

Using one of the buttons at the bottom, you can either "search" for Info Island and teleport or you can open the "map" button and search for Info Island. I usually use the search button because every so often I use the map button and it can't find what I'm looking for. Of course, the search button gives you a bunch of results, so take the extra second to make sure you choose the right location.

[Laurie Bridges]

Okay, I'm now on info island. I've looked around and traveled to the adjoining islands. However, I feel a bit lonely. I don't think I should feel MORE lonely in my virtual life, as compared with my real life. Haha - it seems to go against the entire point of a virtual life. Are there any group activities that take place with other librarians? I feel like I need an objective or something to do.

I see there is a class on Second Life this summer for $200. Uh, I'm thinking perhaps we could put together an "unclass" on Second Life and have it be free...what do you guys think?

Laurie

[Rosmairta Kilara]

So, there is almost always a reference librarian on Info Island. But also we get together at TX-950 (the librarian's bar in the Info Archipelago) most Friday evenings (SL time), and there are book of the month offerings and various other things mentioned on the calendar by the reference desk.

[Jim Rible]

Where is this bar? I've searched for TX-950 and Info Archipelago and came up blank.

[Rosmairta Kilara]

Sorry, it is on Cybrary City - I knew it was on the archipelago but not exactly where. TX-950, Cybrary City (121, 28, 24)

[Rosmairta Kilara]

And I should note in case anyone reads these back comments... TX-950 has moved to the roof of the Bell Library on Info Island I.

[Amanda Townsend]

Abbey Zenith would be a good person to talk to about getting into the librarians group and listserv. See you around the island!

Amanda aka Emaleth DeCuir

[Bill Sowers]

Do a search for Abbey Zenith and click on Instant Message under her profile. Send he a message asking her to add you to the SL Librarians' email list. It can get pretty busy sometimes but you can get it in digest too. It's a great way to find out what's going on on the Info Island archipelago.

At the visitor center on Info Island you should find a calendar of events and posters listing upcoming events. If interested in volunteering (finding that "goal" you spoke of) send an IM to Willow Kindley. She is in charge of finding projects fo volunteers.

There are staff meetings on Info Island about once a month. Find out when the next meeting takes place and try to be there for it if you can. You can get an idea of what goes on there.

Somewhere at the greeting center on Info Island is a list of all the major collections within the island and the person(s) in charge of each. If you are interested in knowing more about a particular collection contact the manager via IM and see about setting up a meeting to talk.

Talk.... Walk up to people, say hi, ask them how long they'v been in SL, what they think of Info Island, etc etc etc. I had a heck of a time doing this when I first came here. I was not a "chatter" and couldnt' even figure out how to use the chat box the first couple days! Some kind soul finally explained basic communication to me... sigh.

Heck... send me an IM... I'll talk! Rocky Vallejo. Or check out other people within this group, look for their SL names, and contact them inworld. Make friends and "network."... I can't believe I just wrote that word!

Funny story..... My wife, Diana (SL: Cindy Elkhart) came into SL a couple days after me and she kept telling me not to run away when someone approached for a talk. One night I agteed and promised her that the very next person who showed up in front of me on Info Island would be greeted and talked to.... and at that moment, as though on cue, out of nowhere a very large naked female AV dropped down out of the sky on top of me....

Diana was literally rolling on the floor of our living room coughing in fits of laughter, yelling at me, "TALK! TALK! YOU PROMISED YOU'D TALK!!"

ME: "hello?"

SHE: "Hi! I'm a nude librarian!"

ME: "how nice"

SHE: "I'm here to start a Nude Library collection!"

ME: "umm... not sure how you can do that."

SHE: "Just point me in the right direction! Do I look nude enough for you?"

ME: "quite nude enough. I have to go now. bye."

My first chat experience on Info Island. I figured if I could get through that I could do anything.

BIll Sowers / Rocky Vallejo

[AbbyNemeth]

I thought that only happened in the movies?