Libraries on the MUVE: HealthInfo Island to Provide Accessibility Resource Center in Second Life
Libraries on the MUVE: HealthInfo Island to Provide Accessibility Resource Center in Second Life
Alliance Library System(ALS) and iViNNiE.com are pleased to announce new services tobe offered on HealthInfo Island in the 3d virtual world of Second Life. Alliance received a grant from the National Library of Medicine Greater Midwest Region to build upon the consumer health outreach currentlydone on HealthInfo Island. HealthInfo Island is part of the Alliance Info Archipelago, a group of islands collaborating to provide library and educational services. Through this project, ALS will offer exhibits, programs, and awareness about accessibility and assistive technology and about virtual world accessibility in general for Second Life residents. iViNNiE.com is funding the accessibility resource center which will provide a wealth of information on accessibility, second life training programs, and be staffed for several hours per week. iViNNiE.com is also providing funding for scholarships for up to 60 individuals with disabilities to join Second Life.
“We are very pleased to offer these much needed information services and access to people with disabilities,”
stated Kitty Pope, Executive Director of the Alliance Library System. “There are currently a number of supportgroups for stroke victims, autism, augsberger syndrome and a number of others. Many of these people cannot leave their homes and will benefit from library services we can provide online.”
“The virtual environment of Second Life offers opportunities for education, information, and social interaction for people with very real needs,” added Edita Kaye, CEO of iViNNiE.com. “I can’t think of a more innovative and exciting group to make happen than The Library Alliance and I’m delighted to be part of this amazing project. And I urge all other organizations to visit and contribute to help make Second Life a first home for everyone.”
Kristan Hall, editor of the Second Life newspaper, the Metaverse Messenger will serve as the ProjectCoordinator and will coordinate activities for the project with ALS. The first group of programs on mobility/dexterity are tentatively planned for August 1. Announcements on programs will be made to relevant Second Life groups,blogs, and email lists. Under the direction of HealthInfo Island Coordinator Carolina Keats and Medical Librarian Namro Orman, many contacts with groups have been made. This project will help meet the needs of peoplewho want information on consumer health and accessibility.
Alliance Library System is one of nine regional library systems in Illinois with over 250 member libraries of all types.ALS provides continuing education, resource sharing, consulting, delivery, assistance with grant writing, collaborative projects and other services for its members.
iViNNiE.com is the #1 Virtual News Network reporting daily on the next big thing—the virtual worlds of the 3-D internet.
This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from
the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department
of Health and Human Services, under Contract with the
University of Illinois at Chicago
For more information on this project, please contact Project Director Lori Bell at Alliance Library System at lbell@alliancelibrarysystem.com
or as Lorelei Junot in Second Life.