Info Island and Libraries in Second Life this week
Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries: Librarians and Educators in Second Life and Other Multi-User Virtual Environments
This new book is coming out in October 2008 and is edited by Lorelei Junot and Abbey Zenith.
Eighty percent of Internet users are expected to engage in some form of virtual world activity by 2011 (Gartner Research Group), and librarians and educators are already there. This fascinating book—the brainchild of two pioneering virtual world librarians—is designed to help libraries and schools recognize the importance of multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) and consider ways of getting involved as they proliferate.
The editors and 24 contributors describe library, educational, and cultural projects they have undertaken. They recount their experiences working together to succeed in Second Life and other virtual worlds and explain how traditional library services such as reference, teaching, collections, discussion groups, and young adult programs can be applied in a virtual environment.
WARNING: Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries and the experiences it references may be habit forming. If you find yourself unable to escape from the virtual library environment, put down the book, disconnect your computer, and seek immediate real world attention!
More information at http://books.infotoday.com/books/VirtualWorlds.shtml
Waiting for the Other Gumshoe to Drop at Mystery Manor
Next Wednesday evening (Aug. 27) at 6:00 p.m. SLT the Mystery Manor Book Discussion Group (affectionately called “Waiting for the Other Gumshoe to Drop”) will have its monthly informal get-together in the gazebo next to Mystery Manor on InfoIsland. Everyone is welcome to attend (even if you haven’t read the book). This month we will be discussing the classic novel, The Thin Man, by Dashiell Hammett. Follow the urbane Nick and Nora Charles and their dog Asta as they solve a murder in Depression-era NYC. Your liver may grumble about all the heavy drinking, but you’ll love it. FYI, the book we will be discussing on September 24 (same time, same place) is A Rage in Harlem by Chester Himes. If you need a TP, please IM Maxito Ricardo.
Alexandrian Free Library: Caledon, Winterfell, Steelhead & New Toulouse Library events August 26th- September 2nd
Winterfell Book Disscusion – His Dark Materials – The Golden Compass
August 30th, 2008
12pm – 2pm SLT
Winterfell Library, Winterfell
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell/128/87/25
First in a series of three discussions, led by Miss Serafina Puchkina
In The Golden Compass, a young girl named Lyra, brought up in the cloistered world of Jordan College, Oxford, and her trusted pet and companion, Pantalaimon, learn of the existence of Dust. The author, Philip Pullman, has been quoted as saying this about his controversial books:
“I’ve been surprised by how little criticism I’ve got. Harry Potter’s been taking all the flak… Meanwhile, I’ve been flying under the radar, saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God.”
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Steelhead Public Library Book Discussion – Ethan Frome
August 31, 2008
2pm – 3pm SLT
Steelhead Public Library, Steelhead City
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead/123/185/24
Please join us as Krystine Qinan leads a discussion of Ethan Fromme by
Edith Wharton.
Ethan Fromme is widely considered to be Edith Wharton’s best work.
Written at a time when rural life was generally presented with a
romantic glow, this novel in contrast paints a dark portrait of life
in a New England village in the late nineteenth century. It tells the
story of a classic romantic triangle and it’s effect on the lives of
the three main characters. Ethan Fromme, described as “a ruin of a
man,” devotes his life to caring for his invalid wife. When her young
cousin Mattie come to help with the housekeeping and care, Ethan finds
himself enchanted by her youth and beauty. This does not go unnoticed
by Mattie, who decides to take steps to end this attraction. However,
her plans go awry in ways none of the characters could have foreseen.
All persons who have an interest in superb characterization, life in a
lonely village, the effect of winter on daily life, or the work of
Edith Wharton are welcome. It is not necessary to have read the book
in order to participate, but for those who wish to do so the full text
of this work is available online at Project Gutenberg
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/4517
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The Caledon Library is pleased to announce the opening of its Steampunk collection.
Steampunk, a child of the Science Fiction sub-genre Cyberpunk, and Alternate History, which traces its roots back to such tecno-fantastist writers as Verne and Wells, has become increasingly popular as both a narrative setting and a distinctive aesthetic sensibility . The inspiration for such communities as Steeltopia and New Babbage as well as Caledon, steampunk is becoming more and more a part of life on the grid. The Caledon Library honors this vigorous, brass-cogged, steam-huffing form of expression with a collection of resources including “Precursor” works from 19th century fiction as well as 20th & 21st century writing, criticism, art, photography, and very much so on, plus an associated collection of primary source material on 19th century airships.
Do us the honour to visit the Caledon Library Steampunk Dirigible in Caledon Victoria City
Opening Sept 1st
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/211/ 131/60
Please contact JJ Drinkwater if you have questions.
West of Ireland Library Events
Join us in the West of Ireland Library as we expand our storytelling times!!
Saturday, 23 August @ 2pm slt – Elder Priestman continues the reading of “Zion’s Cause” by Jim Peyton, a lovely look at the rural southern part of the USA.
Tuesday, 26 August @ 7pm slt – Join Han Sontse for a continuation of the sci-fantasy book “Ariel: A Book of the Change”
Wednesday 27 August @ 7pm slt – Rei Hax will read another chapter or two of the science fiction book “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card.
Thursday 28 August @ 7pm slt – Great Irish myths, legends and stories from Shandon Loring.
Friday 29 August @ 5pm slt – Stories of the sea with WOI Storytellers Sioban McMahon, Caledonia Skytower and Derry McMahon (and do plan to stay for our seafaring Friday Night Dance Special immediately following).
Saturday 30 August @ 2pm slt – More of “Zion’s Cause” by Jim Peyton, read by Elder Priestman
Sunday 31 August @ 11am – Summertime Sunday Stories by Derry McMahon. Come celebrate another summer well lived in both worlds with stories about the beach, baseball, nature, and more!
We’d love to have you join us! Please IM Derry McMahon if there are any questions. http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/44/171/26