More pictures and a few words about This Book is Overdue LIbrary Buzz

More than 20 avatars gathered on Information Island to listen to author Marilyn Johnson discuss her fascinating new book, This Book is Overdue:How Librarianas and Cybrarians Can Save Us All. After Sydney Delphin introduced her,  Marilyn was warmly greeted by friends both old and new as her avatar Marilena Basevi returned to the scenes featured in Chapter 9, "Wizards of Odd"

Between greeting old friends like Hollyjean Peters, Waldron Rhino, and Daisyblue Hefferman, Marilyn enthralled the crowd with her story about how she successfully overcame her editor's attempts to remove the chapter about Second Life.

 

(Marilyn Johnson as her avatar Marilena Basevi speaking at the Library Buzz Session on March 24, 2010)

She talked about "extreme virtual librarians".  From her book, "A whole new type of virtual librarian was being invented in Second Life, little cartoon figures who could interact visually as well--extreme virtual librarians.  And while they were at it, these librarians were inventing another kind of library, one of their patrons could walk(or fly) around in--without either librarian or patron having to leave her kitchen stool".

The hour flew past as Marilyn talked about how long it took her write the book, her writing process and her plans for her next book.  Marilyn has written another book:  The Dead Beat:  Lost Souls, Lucky Stiffs and the Perverse Pleasures of Obituuaries. She explained how the fascinating obituaries of dead librarians (four of which are posted on her website, http://www.thisbookisoverdue.com ) lead her to write this book about librarians.  She invited the audience to recommend topics for next book. Nurses seemed to be the most recommended topic

She mentioned that she is booked to speak into 2011 and will be at the LexisNexis Breakfast at ALA and numerous state library associations.

At the end of the hour Abbey Zenith invited the entire group to continue the party at the Jazz Cat, another venue featured in Marilyn's book.  The party continued for another hour and half as avatars continued to dance, renew or make their acquaintance with Marilyn, and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

(Part of the large, enthusiastic audience of avatars avdly listening to Marilena talk about her book)