Second Life: the seventh face of the library?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give a brief introduction to Second Life, and to provide an outline of how one academic librarian has got involved with using it and reviews the issues that have arisen from a library perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper offers a reflection on whether library activities in Second Life are different from library services in the real world and suggests that Second Life is just another “face” of the library.

Findings

Second Life is still in the very early stages of development. There are various barriers and challenges to overcome before it can be used widely within universities. However, this paper shows it does provide an opportunity to experiment and explore what information resources are required in this environment and how librarianship and librarians need to evolve to cater for users in a three dimensional world.

Originality/value

This paper is based on personal experience and offers as many questions as answers.

Citation

Parker, L. (2008), "Second Life: the seventh face of the library?", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 42 No. 3, pp. 232-242. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330810892659