Library Vendors Offered Second Life!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kitty Pope, Alliance Library System
DATE: March 19, 2007

LIBRARY VENDORS OFFERED SECOND LIFE!

The Alliance Library System and the Alliance Second Life Library/Info Island Archipelago are pleased to announce library vendor space in Second Life. American Library Association has just announced its move into the library space. Over 400 self-identified librarians from all over the world are involved in Second Life, a 3-D virtual world on the Internet and over 100 academic institutions are either offering classes or library services to in-world residents.

“In addition to library services for students and residents, we are creating services for the librarians working in Second Life,” stated Kitty Pope, Executive Director of the Alliance Library System located in East Peoria, Illinois. “We are partnering with ALA and numerous other organizations to help them get established in the virtual world and to gain experience they will need in the future. This initiative will give library vendors the opportunity to dip their toe in the water of the virtual world and see what kind of response they get with very little risk on their part.”

Library vendors will be offered a customized attractive open building space in Vendorville, located on Imagination Island. Alliance staff will assist vendors in getting set up and promoting their presence in Second Life. Vendors will also have access to larger spaces for programs at no charge and become part of the exciting and innovative library community forming in Second Life.

Second Life is a virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, Second Life has grown explosively, and today is inhabited by more than 4 million people from around the globe. New participants discover a vast digital continent, teeming with people, entertainment, and opportunities. There are museums, 19th century worlds where residents dress in period clothing and live in Victorian homes, immersive learning environments such as an Egyptian tomb, Star Trek futuristic realms, and much more. Residents can go to the virtual library and use a number of resources.
Cost of space for the year is $400. Alliance will offer the space for one year, evaluate the project and then decide whether or not to continue that part of the project. Vendors who are interested should contact Lori Bell lbell@alliancelibrarysystem.com or Susan Rushing – srushing@alliancelibrarysystem.com or call (309)694-9200. Tours of the Info Archapelago are also available.