Library Services in SL - What's So Different?

[Connie Crosby]

How can we create services in SL that are different from services in other formats? How can we use the characteristics unique to this medium to our advantage? If we look into a crystal ball, can we see where this is all headed?

[Denyse Rodrigues]

I've been monitoring this discussion really hoping that someone else would start the conversation with their crystal ball in hand. But I guess I'll just jump in with my 2 cents.
I've been using Second Life for work since January and have really enjoyed the visual chat aspects: Being able to see in the virtual environment who I'm speaking with; moving easily from one-on-one chat to small group discussion; having the ability to welcome in the lurkers. Conversely, I've really been frustrated by not being able to work with any other software/documents within SL: No co-browsing the Internet; no working on Word or Powerpoint (and thier non-Microsoft equivalents) together as a group. Yes we can push a link, or show a movie/slide show, but other mediums do that so much more efficiently. The real fun and value in SL is in interacting and talking together and feeling that sense of community that is often absent from other online environments. For now that's what I'll focus on and see what else develops within SL.
I'm really interested in what you all have to say on this subject.

[Jim Milles]

David Lee King has just blogged about the grand opening of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library in SL. They are using their library space in a fun and creative way:

Last night, we held our first event - an open house at the storefront. From my perspective, it was a success - we had about 50 attendees (two of which blogged about it)! We had a few things set up for the attendees to do. They could:
* sign our guestbook
* get a free t-shirt
* network with the other people/avatars who attended the event
* get an impromptu tour of our facility
* get some food (including chicken wings, sushi, and cake)
* get a free coffee mug with my library’s logo
* Join in on the rooftop dancing

And, of course, see what we’ve been up to. So far, we have focused on “original content,” including:

* a click-through display of artwork in our library’s art gallery
* exploring web links to info on Topeka and Kansas
* information about our library

Meeting and events are a HUGE thing at our RL library - so we have tables and chairs set up in our storefront “branch” to facilitate SL meetings.

And did I mention we’re “dance-party-capable?”