Second Life and the Public Good: A Community Challenge gives real rewards
Los Angeles, CA May 10, 2008

The USC Network Culture Project is hosting a Community Challenge entitled Second Life and the Public Good; request for Proposals is now available on the web at http://networkculture.usc.edu. Teams and individuals can apply to win a three month grant of L$100,000 per month with land to develop their vision for real world action.

A special international session will be held on May 12, 2008 at 9PM PST to ask questions about the new community challenge. Panelists and USC Network Culture hosts will be on hand to answer questions about this new grant cycle within Second Life on 5/12 and 5/15 at Noon at the International Island amphitheatre. Community Challenge panelists include Howard Rheingold, Rik Panganiban, Craig Wacker, Lori Bell and Randall Moss; community leaders from Second Life and social media circles.

Led by Doug Thomas, principal investigator at the USC Annenberg School of Communication, the USC Network Culture project invites the residents of Second Life to imagine new ways that virtual worlds such as Second Life can be used to make a contribution to the public good. Thomas introduced the challenge inworld: “We really wanted to put out a challenge to the various communities that make up Second Life to find ways to use a virtual world to make a difference in the physical world”.

Community Challenge proposals from groups, organizations or individuals will show how Second Life can enhance, develop, or sustain the public good. The best submissions will be selected based on how well they demonstrate the significance of virtual worlds for making an impact on society or culture. Up to three finalists will be selected by community vote to receive sizable grants for a three month development season. The Network Culture group in Second Life will help avatars track progress through the June voting cycle.

Projects may address any social need and could include conservation, human rights and international justice, global peace and security, reproductive health, digital media and learning, or juvenile justice. Finished proposals will be emailed to networkculture@gmail.com and should provide a clear description of how the project uses the abilities of Second Life to advance the project goals.

This Community Challenge is part of ongoing philanthropic research in virtual worlds by the USC Network Culture Project. Thomas notes “We are hoping this challenge will expand the possibilities and opportunities for philanthropy in virtual worlds. Building off the creativity and energy of virtual world residents, we also hope to challenge philanthropic organizations to start taking note of the possibilities that these spaces offer. We are really looking forward to the conversations, collaborations and new ideas that this challenge is sure to produce.”

For more information visit the Annenberg Amphitheatre on International Island at http://slurl.com/secondlife/International%20Island/142/55/30 or contact Evonne Heyning, USC Network Culture events producer, In Kenzo in Second Life at inkenzo@gmail.com.

Alliance and LearningTimes to Sponsor Conference on History in Virtual Worlds

On June 10, 2008 Alliance Library System, in cooperation with LearningTimes, will offer a one-day conference exploring the possibilities of using virtual worlds to teach history and to promote its appreciation. The conference, titled “Stepping into History: Exploring the Past through Virtual Worlds” will be held entirely in the virtual world of Second Life, allowing participants to attend from any location with a computer and a broadband internet connection. Attendance at the conference is limited to 60 participants, and cost is $45 USD per person. Registration is available at the website www.steppingintohistory.org.

“What if, instead of just talking or reading about history, we could actually be there?” asks John Howard, conference director and Special Projects Coordinator for Alliance. “What if instead of looking at a picture of a historical site, you could actually walk through and explore it? Previously, you could only get this experience by traveling long distances. New virtual world technology allows us to do something quite similar from our computers.”

The conference will not be lecture-based, according to Howard. Instead, participants will take “field trips” into historical locations that have been created in Second Life. They will have time to explore them on their own, then to meet and discuss what they have seen and experienced with simulation creators and other conference participants. Sites will include 19th century America, where participants may run into Abraham or Mary Todd Lincoln; Virtual Harlem, where participants will have the opportunity to hear live music as it might have been during the Jazz Age/Harlem Renaissance; and Renaissance Island, where participants can sit in on a rehearsal for a Shakespearean play in a replica of London’s Globe Theatre.

“All of our field trip sites have tons of educational resources, but we also want participants to actually experience history in various ways” says Howard. The conference will end with a panel discussion with a variety of experts, and with an opportunity for participants to attend a period ball at the Lincoln era White House.

Alliance has partnered with LearningTimes to put on this conference. In addition to helping organize the conference, LearningTimes is setting up the technology for individuals and groups to participate in the conference without having to create a Second Life account. “For those who haven’t done it, Second Life can take a little getting used to” notes John Walber, CEO of LearningTimes. “We have had great success this year in providing ‘simulcasts’ of events in second life, essentially, looking over the shoulder of a participant.” Walber notes that this should make attendance easier for more people. While not quite as “immersive,” the solution is highly interactive, and creates a recording for later playback Conference organizers will also provide an orientation for those who would like to attend the conference in Second Life, but have no prior experience with the program.

LearningTimes and Alliance have created an ongoing on-line community for participants in this and future conferences. Within this community registrants will have access to conference recordings, contribute to on-going discussions, and network with other interested people from around the world after the conference is over.

Full conference schedule and registration information is available at the conference website, http://www.steppingintohistory.org
or people may contact John Howard directly at 309.694.9200.

John S Howard (Corwin Howlett in Second Life)
Special Projects Coordinator
Alliance Library System
600 High Point Lane
East Peoria, Illinois 61611

Phone: 309.694.9200 ext. 2121
800.700.4857 ext. 2121
Fax: (309) 694-9230
Email: jhoward@alliancelibrarysystem.com
Website: www.alliancelibrarysystem.com
skype: john.s.howard7
Systems Build Community
The Alliance Library System is one of nine multitype systems cooperating to provide essential services to the citizens of Illinois.

Thanks to all who came to shop, and all who donated items! Special thanks to Katt Tomsen, Rolig Loon, & Bucky Barkley for setting up vendors for new items and donating the proceeds to the yard sale. We’ve stored away the unsold items for a future sale - so anytime you weed your inventory remember that Abbey Sideways wants your stuff!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2008
CONTACT: Carol Perryman, cp1757@gmail.com

Final Project Report for HealthInfo Island Project in Second Life Now Available!

A final project report issued today from the Alliance Library System marks the latest chapter in an exciting experiment funded by the Greater Midwest Region of the National Library of Medicine (GMR/NNLM). The project, entitled “Providing Consumer Health Outreach and Library Programs to Virtual World Residents in Second Life” provided outreach to virtual medical communities, health training and information for residents of Second Life, links to consumer health resources, one-on-one support to residents, and part-time staffing for HealthInfo Island. The project is available at http://www.alliancelibrarysyste m.com/pdf08/healthinfoislandfin alreport08.pdf

Carol Perryman, a doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an experienced medical and consumer health librarian, coordinated the project. She stated, ” Participation in such an environment challenges the creative imagination. What is a library collection in a place where proprietary resources are out of the question? We feel collaboration is part of the answer.”

“We are thrilled to have been part of this exciting and ground-breaking new project and providing quality health information to residents of Second Life,” said Kitty Pope, Executive Director of the Alliance Library System. “Virtual worlds hold great promise for people with chronic health conditions and for people seeking information on health.”

Working with Perryman on the project was Guus van den Brekel, Coordinator of Electronic Services, Central Medical Library, University Medical Center, Groningen. Tom Peters, CEO of TAP Information Services, evaluated the project and authored the final report.

On HealthInfo Island, the first version of World AIDS day was observed, along with a class on finding quality AIDS and HIV information, a series of presentations by health educators and support group leaders whose “real life” locations were all over the world. A “Path of Support” created by a member of the disability community called the Heron Sanctuary, displays some of the more than 70 health support groups active in Second Life. Other events included a panel discussion about design for accessibility, a presentation about grassroots activism for disability activitists, and a casual question-and –answer session with a diabetes support group and an internal medicine physician in Greece.

For more information, please contact Carol Perryman at cp1757@gmail.com

How on Virtual Earth can Wikis help Archivists?

Wikis are among the most well-known applications in the universe of
Web 2.0, but especially archivists have been quite shy in both using
and initiating them.

However lately some archives have started experimenting with wikis,
and also individual archivists or teams of archivists have started
using wikis more and more often. For their own use, and to the
advantage of their patrons: collaborating in knowledge bases, sharing
collections, asking for the Wisdom of the Crowds even!

On Sunday May 25, 1pm-2.30pm SLT (9pm-10.30pm GMT) the Archivists of
Second Life will discuss the world of wikis for their own use, and
their benefit for the general public, interested in archives and
special collections.

Three archivists will present on new wiki projects, sharing with you
their thoughts and experiences:

* Abby Nemmeth: Lone Arranger Wiki
* Archivist Llewellyn: Archivopedia, the archives wiki encyclopedia
* Elias Etchegaray: ArchiefWiki

What are the wikis about, and why are they setup? What problems were
encountered during setup, and in what way will users be able to
benefit from the wikis?

These and many more questions will be presented on, and discussed
about. The presentations take place at the Open Air Auditorium at
Cybrary City.

Everyone with an interest in archives, special collections, wikis, and
online collaboration between information professionals and patrons is
very welcome to join us for this meeting!

If you have any questions, or if you’d like some more information,
please contact Christi Janus for details.

Abbey Zenith named Director of Library Services
Abbey Zenith has been named Director of Library Services for Alliance Virtual Library.
Abbey will oversee staff and services for four islands including Info Island, Info International,
Infotainment, and Imagination Island. Abbey has been with the library for two years.

“Abbey Zenith is one of the most creative and imaginative librarians I have ever had
the pleasure to work with,” said Lorelei Junot of Alliance Library System.

An advisory board has been named which will work with Abbey on library oversight.
Hypatia Dejavu - SLL2 Reference Head & Public
Cindy Elkhart - Library Associate, Public
Rocky SLL2 Collections/Cataloging & Public
HollyJean Allen - Volunteer representative
Rolig Loon - Volunteer representative with an academic background
Stolvano Barbosa - Academic
Cat Galieo - Special library (Law)
Puglet Dancer - Academic / Chairman of the ALS Board
Abbey Zenith - Academic / Director of Library Services

Mystery Manor

Update your calendar with this revised discussion schedule for Mystery
Manor. All Discussions are at 6pm, SL in the Gazebo at Mystery Manor
Estate and led by Maxito Ricardo.

May 28 – Hard Time, Sara Paretsky
June 25 – Blond Faith, Walter Mosley
July 30 – The Thin Man, Dashiell Hammett
August 27 – A Rage in Harlem, Chester Himes
September 24 – Cyprus Grove, James Sallis

Sara Paretsky, our author for May 28, has been, and continues to be, a
leading author in the female hardboiled detective genre. Hard Time is
one of her most gritty V. I. Warshawski stories. Contact Max Batra for more information.

Smart investing@your library in Second Life
Alliance Library System will launch the “Smart investing @ your library®” program, to promote investor education in libraries in central Illinois and in the virtual world of Second Life. Alliance Library System will offer programs on investing targeted at baby boomers in libraries, on a van at county fairs and festivals, and in Second Life.
In January 2008, Alliance Library System was awarded a $100,000 grant funded by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation as part of the “Smart investing @ your library®” program. Alliance Library System was one of only 13 libraries nationwide to be selected for participation.

The grant will help to build the capacity of libraries in the Alliance Library System and the virtual world of Second Life to provide effective, unbiased investor education to the community at large. With the funding, Alliance Library System will provide investing programs in communities around central Illinois, provide a Smart Investing van to spread the word at county fairs, health fairs, and library events, and to create an informational presence in the virtual world of Second Life. For information on resources and programs, consult the project website at http://smartinvestingatyourlibrary.info.

The grand opening of Investment InfoIsland in Second Life is scheduled for Sunday, June 1 from 3:00-5:00 pm Pacific; 5:00-7:00 pm central; and 6:00-8:00 pm Eastern. Speakers include Susan Saver from FINRA, Margaret Monsour from ALA, and Kitty Pope from Alliance. After the program, attendees will enjoy fireworks and a sock hop. For more
information, contact Lorelei Junot.

Rich Idiot in Second Life

Alliance Virtual Library in Second Life hosts bestselling author Robert Shemin who just published “How Come This Idiot’s RIch and I’m Not?” The following activities are
planned - more information next week!
May 13 – 5 pm sl, 7 pm central, 8 pm eastern – Book Talk with Robert Shemin hosted by avatar Maxito Ricardo – Conference Center, Rich Idiot
May 15 – 12 pm sl, 2 pm central, 3 pm eastern – Book Talk with Robert Shemin hosted by avatar Maxito Ricardo – Conference Center, Rich Idiot
June 13 – 5-7 pm sl, Swing Dance at Gatsby’s Night Club, Rich Idiot, hosted by Puglet Dancer
June 26 – 12:30-2 pm, sl, 2:30-4 central, 3:30-5 pm eastern - “Getting Rich in Real Life and Second Life” Seminar, Conference Center, Rich Idiot
June 29 - 4 pm sl, 6 pm central, 7 pm eastern – Cocktail party with author Robert Shemin” at the Rich Idiot Mansion
The Rich Idiot Island is designed with the wealth and excitement of the 1930s. Crown Publishing Group, a subsidiary of Random House, was founded during the Depression with the goal of publishing quality books at inexpensive prices. Contact Lorelei Junot for more information.

Steelhead Library Poetry Writing Workshop
Wed, May 7, 7 – 8pm
Steelhead Public Library, Steelhead
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead/123/185/24
Come enjoy the Pleasures of Composition at the SteelheadLlibrary. Dov Whiteberry (known in RL as Vermont poet and teacher David Weinstock) will lead a poetry writing workshop. No previous experience is required. If time permits, we will share the results with each other.

BIO
David Weinstock lives, writes, and teaches in Middlebury, Vermont. His poems have appeared in 2River View, Salt River Review, Free Cuisenart, Riding the Meridian, and The Journal of the American Medical Association. Contact him at david.weinstock@gmail.com.

Contact Riven Homewood or CeAaire DeCosta for more details

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Second Annual Compliments Duel, to benefit Relay for Life
May 11th, 2008
2 PM SLT
Caledon Loch Avie

JJ Drinkwater and Exrex Somme request the pleasure of your attendance (and your kind donation of Lindens to RFL) at their
Compliments Duel II - The Return of the Backhanded Compliment

The purpose of the duel, as it was last year, is to raise funds for the Relay for Life. Five Judgeships will be auctioned to the highest bidder - the first judgeship sold shall be the senior judge. The panel of Judges will determine the ultimate winner of the duel, based on such criteria as they determine. Her Grace of Loch Avie will conduct the auction, but she is also not precluded from bidding or being a judge.

Each of the duelists will pay their opponent five compliments, with the first passage du politesse determined by a coin flip made by the senior judge on the day. There is no restriction on the length, type, nature etc. of the compliments (although JJ is NOT allowed to bring a library with him to the duel).

Each Duelist will also have a tip jar present and we hope that you will donate if you like the turns of phrase produced. All proceeds from the sale of judgeships, tip jars etc. shall be paid into the Caledon Relay for Life Fund after the duel. You are also invited to cheer on your favourite, and appropriate witty comments from the audience are encouraged, nay, demanded.

In addition to the above, the office of Chevalier(e) du Politesse will be available (as all the best honorary offices traditionally are) to purchase, for the very reasonable price of L6,000. Holders of this office (in the Caledon Library Group) have the the right to display the title - “Politesse shines in”, and are authorized to improve the level of polite discourse and courtesy within and without Caledon for the upcoming year

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Story Session at the Falling Anvil: Bringing in the May
Mon, May 12, 5 – 8p:
The Falling Anvil Public House, Caledon Tamrannoch
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Tamrannoch/233/113/23/

The Lusty Month of May brings with it Maypole Dances, frolicks in the greenwood amongst the springtime flowers, and suchlike fertile and fecund shenanigans. Tammuz returns from the underworld to dance in the fields with Inanna, Persephone is freed from Hades and reunited with her mother, Demeter, and Jack-in-the-Green bids wood and meadow put forth leaf and blossom…and we all take Mom out for a nice Sunday Brunch. Come and share your stories of springtime rituals, and all that increases and multiplies.

Sponsored by the Caledon Library, the Clan of Seafarers and Storytellers, and the Storytelling Guild. Hosted by Mr. Aldo Stern