From Lori Bell
Last Friday, June 26, 2009, SLA CEO Janice Lachance (Harper Aldrin in Second Life) and SLA President Gloria Zamora (Roberta Zsun in Second Life) met with other SLA members in Second Life to talk about the DC conference.
Janice saw
Janice said she would like to see more info pros investing in their
careers. To keep your skills current, it's very important to stay in touch with the profession and
with great networking opportunities. We all know times are tough. If your employer isn’t able to fund your conference attendance, start
thinking now about conference next year in New Orleans – apply for stipends, scholarships, line
up roommates, etc. Janice also reminded participants that if you make under $18,000 a year, you can get a
$35 membership to SLA.
Gloria and Janice also shared about SLA's Alignment project. To date, the Alignment project has provided research into terminology, ideas and concepts to help promote and sell the value of information professionals. (Janice says she understood the need to have the hard research for info pros.)
Sydney Delphin (aka Cindy Hill), Roberta Zsun (aka Gloria Zamora), and Harper Aldrin (aka Janice Lachance) in Second Life
SLA's current name and terminology implies a place, and doesn’t reflect the value of information professionals to the organization. Janice compares the current terminology to what she sees, which is highly-skilled information professionals and valuable contributions to organizations and employers. Over several tests, the current name has no relevance to employers and decision makers, even customers – they don’t understand what a special library is.
The research is geared to speak to those outside of the information profession. Through the Alignment project site, SLA is making this information available to help info pros. Student members can take advantage of this as well; as Janice says, “we’ve written your resume” – provided phrasing, terminology and concepts that you can share with interviewers, hiring people and decision makers. SLA will provide presentations and other tools to help info pros communicate ideas into the organization and workplace in early July.
A name change for SLA will also be coming. The name change process will follow the same procedures as the research: going out to test words and concepts with C-level executives and decision makers, and testing these inside and outside of the information profession. That information will go into the name change process. Gloria would like to see the 2009 Centennial year end with a name change. You'll see more information on this process and a vote coming out later this fall.
Once the name change happens, then the process of using that information and setting strategic direction will start. The name change is a small part of where the association is going in the future. The whole process is really about explaining the value of information professionals; SLA is not just about reference, but the value added to everything that info pros do. Information professionals and information organizations are about much more than the place “library”. Many special librarians don’t work in a library. Janice believes that every organization should have an info pro, whether they have a library or not.
This doesn’t change using the word “library” among colleagues. This is more about bringing visibility to the skills and value we bring. For example, Janice is trained as a lawyer, but goes by the title of CEO. This title doesn’t reflect all of her abilities as a lawyer. In conducting the research, it was discovered that the SLA database has over 2000 job titles – a sign that info pros are struggling with what to call themselves to demonstrate the value they bring to the org. The term special library has no meaning, or negative meaning, representing a place that the organization no longer needs.
Gloria and Janice said they need members involved in both the alignment and the name change process. SLA will call for alignment ambassadors to help communicate all of this out and is hoping to have people in Second Life involved as ambassadors. In the next few weeks, you'll start to see presentations that distill the research findings. These can be shared across your units. The ambassadors will be on board in the next couple of weeks as well – if you are interested in becoming an Alignment ambassador, please get in touch with Janice at Janice@sla.org.
SLA is already looking into Second Life possibilities for the New Orleans
conference, and for the Leadership Summit. Stay tuned - much more happening in this space soon! Scott Brown (aka Steven Source in Second Life)
From Jenna Ball:
Greetings Everyone!
My name is Jena Ball. Many of you know me as Jenaia Morane in Second Life where I oversee the activities at Karuna (the HIV/AIDS sim funded by a grant from the NLM written by Lori Bell). In my first life, I am a writer, educator, and storyteller. What that means in practical terms is that I have a keen interest in how virtual realities are shaping how we see and interact with one another. Of particular interest to me is the potential for building community through storytelling, which is something we are actively working to realize at Karuna.
One of the mandates of the NLM grant is to collect, preserve, and share the stories of those dealing with HIV/AIDS. This includes family, friends, caregivers, and anyone else involved with those who actually have the virus. As part of that effort, we have begun to develop and offer what I call "Story Quests." These are interactive and immersive activities in Second Life created around a theme. They are designed to take participants on inner journeys and teach them the skills they need to share their experiences through stories.
The Quest that is currently in progress is called "The Vision Quest: Exploring what it means to see." It was developed as part of the celebrations surrounding the launch of the virtual guide dog, Max. But the Vision Quest is about much more than just Max. It is an invitation to shift your focus and experience life from another perspective and come away with new insight and understanding. Since this ability to empathize with and see the world through another's eyes is so much a part of what we do at Karuna, as we seek to educate thers about HIV/AIDS, we've been encouraging members of this community to participate as well.
I would like to extend an invitation to you all to try the Vision Quest. It will be up and running through Thursday, July 2 with an awards ceremony to be held on July 3 and additional "storytellings" to be held at Karuna in the weeks that follow. Participants will have a chance share their stories in a relaxed and supportive environment.
I am copying and pasting the description of the Vision Quest below, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me (jenaia.morane@gamil.com or jenaia@tvwsp.com). I look forward to being part of this dynamic community and to hearing your stories!
Jena Ball
P.S. If you'd like to just jump right in, here is the SLURL to the start of the Quest: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Olde/85/76/30
The Vision Quest: Exploring what it means to see
When: Through Thursday, July 2 What: A Virtual Worlds Story Project "Story Quest" Prizes: Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three stories Awards Ceremony and Readings: Friday, July 3 (time to be determined) Info: See http://www.tvwsp.com/questing/visionquests.html
What does it mean to "see?" Anyone who is blind or has limited eyesight will tell you there are many ways to perceive the world. All the senses are involved - smell, taste, touch, and hearing - not to mention that elusive, not quite definable sixth sense. It's that sixth sense takes us beyond the realm of pure physical sight into what is often called, "vision."
The Native Americans understood the concept of "vision" well. Knowing the limitations of physical sight, they built rituals into their lives that helped them go beyond those limits to discover other, hidden insights. They called these rirtuals "visions quests," or journeys that expanded reality and made it possible to "see" in new and different ways.
This Second Life version of a Vision Quest (being held in honor of the launch of Max the virtual guide dog) is designed to spark your imagination and encourage you to "see" in new and thought provoking ways. Participants will have a choice between one of two Story Trails to pursue:
Story Trail #1: Told through the perceptions of a person who is blind. Story Trail #2: Told from the eyes of a guide dog named Max. Each trail will have a specific set of clues to find and follow in order to tell your story. No matter which story you choose, you must use MAX the guide dog (free to all participants) to find the physical clues hidden on the sims.
Janice Lachance and Gloria Zamora will be talking about Align in 09 at the SLA in Second Life Unconference on Friday, June 26. If you missed the discussions at the SLA Conference las week or just want to know more about the topic, plan to attend this exciting event. This will be the first unconference to held at the SLA site in Second Life.
When: June 26, 2009, 8am SLT (8am PT / 11am ET)
Where: SLA space in SL (SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cybrary%20City%20II/59/100/22)
Getting started: Haven't been into Second Life yet? This is a great reason to jump in and join the conversation! The SLA in Second Life wiki site has a great section on what you need to do to get started : how to get an avatar, how to get to the SLA space in Second Life, how to download the software, how to join the SLA Group in Second Life (Special Libraries Assoc. in SL), etc.
See http://wiki.sla.org/display/SLASECONDLIFE/Getting+started+in+Second+Life
Second Life help: Members of the SLA in Virtual Worlds Council will be in Second Life 1 hour prior to the session on the 26th to help you with some Second Life basics, answer any questions, etc. Join us at 7am SLT (7am PT / 10am ET) if you need some additional help prior to the session.
Library Buzz Session - Librarian and Proud! Advocating for ourselves and the profession
Led by Hypatia Dejavu
Thursday, June 25th at 6 PM SLT
Info Island Auditorium
NOTE--Beginning in July 2009, the SLA Virtual Worlds Council will be taking over the Library Buzz Session on Info Island. Stay posted for more information.
Librarians, library staff, library students - a buzz to rev you up just before the ALA conference or to bring some zip back into your day-to-day professional duties.
TX950 - Community Celebration!
River Fest!
Friday June 26th at 6 PM SLT
Imagination Island
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Imagination%20Island/29/195/23
TX950 parties are a celebration of community for AVL and everyone is invited to attend! This month's theme is a River Fest, so it will be cut-offs-and-bathing-suits-laid-back-enjoy yourself fun! We'll have dancing, inner tubes, picnic baskets, blankets, coolers, and great people to share good times! Please join the fun!
The Sci-Fi & Fantasy Portal Presents:
Meet the Author
Saturday, June 27th at 1 pm
Author: B. Billy Marse, Professional Geologist (H3 in SL)
H2 on E2
H2 on E2 is an exploration of the universe, of earth's geology--climate--biology and of human psychology--folklore--ancient structures.
The true DaVinci Code is a scientific record of climate change described as Glacial Respiration. Many belief systems on earth used metaphors which describe Glacial Respiration as it has occurred over eons of human existence.
On June 27th, Mr. Marse will briefly discuss the scope of his book, then focus on Glacial Respiration--what it is, how it works, and how climate changes occur because of it.
We will hold this at our new Sky High Discussion Platform. There is a teleporter on the ground at the Portal (and one on the Platform to return to the ground). Directions are on a board by the Teleporter. We'll use both Chat and Voice.
Smart Investing Book Discussion of The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
6 p.m. SLT
Investing Info Island
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Investing%20InfoIsland/241/102/21/
Contact: Maxito Ricardo
In amazingly understandable and entertaining prose, Paul Krugman, a winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, examines several 20th century international crises to shed light on our current worldwide economic problems.
Alexandrian Free Library: (Caledon, Winterfell, Steelhead, New Toulouse, New Babbage, Amatsu Shima, West of Ireland, Steeltopia, Deadwood, Al Andalus & Constantinople) Library Events for June 24 - June 30 2009
Continuing Exhibits:
Caledon Library 19th Century Spiritualism Exhibit, curated by Mica Braun
May 1 to July 17, 2009
The Jack and Elaine Whitehorn Memorial Library, Caledon Victoria City
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/59/196/23
West of Ireland Library : Leprechauns!, curated by Derry McMahon
June 10 to August 29
West of Ireland Library & Cultural Center, West of Ireland http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/44/157/29
From Oxcarts to Gondolas: the travel albums of Isabella Stewart Gardner
June 14 - Jan 03, 2010
HG Wells Memorial Library, Caledon Wellsian,
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Wellsian/225/236/23
Events of the Week:
WOI - Now You See Them, Now You Don't -More Fae Stories
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
7:00pm - 8:00pm SLT
West of Ireland Library & Cultural Center, West of Ireland
http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/44/157/29
Derry McMahon brings more stories of the fae, the wily leprechauns, and all the other 'little people'.
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WOI - Shandon Loring with Fairy Stories!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
7:00pm - 8:00pm SLT
West of Ireland Library & Cultural Center, West of Ireland
http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/44/157/29
Shandon will share more stories of faeries, leprechauns, and other wee folk. One never knows with the little people, there are good and evil ones…come and see which ones Shandon tells about tonight.
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WOI - “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” with Lilia Quinnell (part 3)
Monday, 29 June, 2009
7:00pm - 8:00pm SLT
West of Ireland Library & Cultural Center, West of Ireland
http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/44/157/29
Join us for this family classic, the L. Frank Baum story which chronicles the adventures of a girl named Dorothy in the Land of Oz. Meet the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion, as they face witches and flying monkeys and all sorts of adventures. Part 3.
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By Whitman, Biweekly!
Tuesday, 30 June, 2009
4:00pm - 5:00pm SLT
Caledon Library, Caledon Victoria City
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/160/117/23
A Discussion led by Dame Kghia Gherardi of the works of Walt Whitman By Whitman, Biweekly! Alternate Tuesdays at 4pm SLT Caledon Library, on the Hub in Victoria City http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/160/117/23 Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass is one of the works at the foundations of American poetry. Its expansive attempt to capture the spirit and landscape of the 19th century United States has influenced an entire culture, and its rich language continues to inspire readers today as it has for the century and a half of its existence. "By Whitman, Biweekly" will provide an opportunity to look closely at this beloved work. Each time we'll spend an hour discussing its context and examining the poetry of the 1855 first edition. The series will also give those who love Leaves of Grass, and those who would like to learn more, an opportunity to explore Whitman's vigorous and heartfelt poetry together.
Schedule:
June 30
July 14 & 28
August 11 & 25
September 8 & 22
Oct 6 & 20
Nov 3 & 17
Dec 1, 15, & 29
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WOI - Gyro Muggins with “The Cold Equations”
Tuesday, 30 June, 2009
7:00pm - 8:00pm SLT
West of Ireland Library & Cultural Center, West of Ireland
http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/44/157/29
“The Cold Equations” by Tom Godwin (found in The Road to Science Fiction 3)
Hoping to see her older brother again, a teenage girl stows away on a starship making a desperate run with lifesaving medical supplies to a colony world. There is barely enough fuel for the ship to reach the colony in time. Any extra weight on the ship would result in the deaths of millions. Marilyn is 110 pounds of extra weight.
From Lori Bell
Continuing education course (non-credit): Working with a Class in Second Life
Join Dr. Bryan Carter (Bryan Mnemonic) in this course created to help librarians and educators learn how to work with a class in Second Life including hardware and software requirements, orientation, faculty and student mindset change, establishing course objectives, finding and creating content, creating meaningful projects, evaluating student work, action learning, grants, managing a sim-island, and collaborative opportunities.
Week One: Setting up a class in Second Life
Week Two: The Pedagogy of Second Life
Week Three: Student Projects
Week Four: Managing a Project/Sim
Audience: Open to librarians and educators interested in using Second Life for educational purposes. Students must feel comfortable navigating in Second Life. This is not a basic Second Life course.
Dates and times: Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 from 10:00am - 12:00pm SL time (US Pacific)
Location: Second Life
Cost: $150
Sponsored by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Alliance Library System.
For additional information and to register
Marianne Steadley
Continuing Professional Development Program Director
501 E. Daniel St. Champaign IL 61820
steadley@illinois.edu
217/244-2751
Fax: 217/244-3302
Lori Bell announced the upcoming meeting:
Hi. On Monday June 22 at 5 pmsl, there will be a meeting on Innovation InfoIsland to discuss the grand opening and other events and displays.
At 6 pm sl, we will have a presentation about putting some library services and content on open sim. I received a call today from a gentleman with a building business who would like to work with us on open sim and provide access and techical support. That meeting will be in open sim. When I get log in information for that meeting, i will post to this group.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME FOR BOTH OR ANY ASPECT OF THE MEETINGS THAT INTERESTS YOU.
According to the OpenSim page,
OpenSimulator is a 3D Application Server. It can be used to create a virtual environment (or world) which can be accessed through a variety of clients, on multiple protocols. OpenSimulator allows you to develop your environment using the technologies you feel work best - we've designed the software to be easily extendable through loadable modules to build completely custom configurations. OpenSimulator is released under a BSD License, making it both open source, and commercially friendly to embed in products.
Out of the box, OpenSimulator can be used to simulate a virtual environment similar to Second Life™ (including client compatibility). Other environments, protocols and features are supported via add on modules. For a list of available modules check out our forge site.
Although OpenSimulator is still considered alpha software, many people are doing exciting things with it.
There is a new sign in front of the SLA building in Second LIfe advertising the upcoming 100th anniversary SLA conference in Washington, DC next week. An avatar, wearing her new SLA T-shirt looks at the sign. If she clicks on the sign, it will take her directly to the SLA webpage where she can register for ticketed events, fill out her personal planner with the conference events she wants to attend, and find the booth numbers for her favorite vendors.
But the annual conference is only the first course. A week after the conference, te Virtual Worlds Council is planning an unconference on Friday, June 26 at 8 am PT/ 11am ET at the SLA site in Second LIfe.
Join SLA's Janice Lachance, CEO of SLA, and Gloria Zamora, SLA President, for a post-conference unconference at the SLA space in Second Life! Chat with them and other SLA members about the highlights of the SLA 2009 Conference. Here's a chance to share what you learned at the conference, and ask questions about the conference if you were not able to attend! Read more about the unconfernce.
Now your avatar can have an SLA Conference T-shirt too. Look at the two new SLA T-shirts- Available just in time for conference. Christy Confetti Higgins had the T-shirts designed. Accoridng to Christy, "Robin Williams created two - one has a small SLA logo on the pocket (front) and the other a large logo on the front - both have the centennial logo on the back. Pictures here :)"
I recently virtually attended an OCLC session on its digital management product, CONTENTdm. Geri Ingram, from OCLC, spoke live for about 30 minutes from the OCLC CONTENTdm Western User's Group meeting. She spoke about the history of CONTENTdm and the features in the latest 5.1 release. She acccepted cards with questions from the live audience that she would address the next day.
The Second LIfe session was advertised to the CONTENTdm listserv. The advertisement was clearly laid out and included a wonderful FAQ on how to get an avatar, the SLURL for the program site, and how to find the room once you arrived on the island. The email said that the use of Entropia Island was made possible with special permission of the Digital Library Federation. A volunteer avatar was there to set up the live stream from the CONTENTdm user group meeting. Avatars were asked to be in place at 9 PDT, with the program to run from 9:15-9:45.
The fifteen minute delay was a good idea because many people had troubles getting the live stream to show both video and audio on their individual PCS. Two avatars sought help via text chat through the first half of the presentation. Although the FAQ's had some basic help on how to set this up, some of the intermediate steps were left out. If someone were not already familiar with the Second LIfe edits--> preferences, he/she would have had some difficulty finding out where to go next.
The live stream occasionally stalled and the video would pixelate. The lighting in the stream was dark; it was difficult to read the slides on Geri's powerpoint. There was no way for the avatar audience to interact with the live stream. We were not given an opportunity to ask questions and there was no provision made for a second day of live stream to hear what questions had been submitted.
Other than the avatars seeking technical assistance with the live stream problems, the SL audience had little interaction among themselves. There was no opportunity to interact with the RL audience. This was my first SL experience where I felt that attending a webex, rathen than an In World session might have been preferable.
Kudos to the OCLC Western User Group for experimenting with SL. It was a useful experience, but I wish the SL audience could have been more engaged and had a better live stream
