Info Island Content

Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries

Info Island Blog - Tue, 2008-08-19 06:49

Read about the adventures of librarians in virtual worlds this fall when
“Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries” comes out in October. You can order a copy now at
http://books.infotoday.com/books/VirtualWorlds.shtml

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!

Categories: Info Island Content

Info Island and libraries in Second Life this week

Info Island Blog - Sun, 2008-08-17 06:04

Stonewall Learning Center
The Stonewall Learning Center opened Sunday, August 10th, on the west
side of Info Island just east of the Jazz Cat Club.

Stonewall’s goal is to promote understanding and awareness among
lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgendered folk and straights through
information, discussion and displays. The Center was named for the
Stonewall Riots of 1969 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonewall_riots)
which was a turning point in GLBT history, marking in the minds of
many the beginning of an open gay rights movement in the U.S. and
around the world.

At present the Center has a set of posters up on the walls linking to
information on the Internet with plans for further development over
the ensuing months. Visitors are encouraged! A SLURL to the Center
is provided below. At present Rocky Vallejo, head of Alliance Virtual
Libraries (AVL) Collections, and Hypatia Dejavu, Head of AVL Reference
Services, are working to develop resources for the collection assisted
by a small group of volunteers.

If you’d be interested in volunteering with this project please
contact the AVL Volunteer Services Coordinator, Marimar Berchot.

Stonewall Learning Center
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Info%20Island/24/123/33/

Buckaroo Buzz Session

When: Buzz Session @ Info Island, Aug 22nd at 6pm SL — (new time)
Bucky Barkley will talk about new tools he has developed for education and
libraries in Second Life

Library Art Gallery @ Info Island

Friday, 22 August 2008, 5P - 6P SLT August/September Exhibit
Celebration.
Special Live performance by the very talented Cylindrian Rutabaga,
real life singer and songwriter, in celebration of artists: Alacrity
Lorefield and Sylvia Trilling. Please join us in celebrating these
very fine artists! Bring a friend and your dance shoes! Hope to see
you there!

Steelhead Public Library
Book Discussion - Coming of Age in SecondLife
Sunday August 24, 2pm
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Anteater%20Island/71/108/24

The Steelhead Public Library is proud to sponsor an inworld discussion
of the book “Coming of Age in SecondLife” by Tom Boellstorff.

Mr Boellstorff has (sl name Tom Bukowski) been on SL since 2004. In
real life, he is a professor of anthropology at the University of
California Irvine. This book is an ethnographic study of SecondLife
and looks at SL from the standpoint of a cutlural anthropologist. The
author draws heavily upon his knowledge about ethnographic traditions
and his previous fieldwork in Indonesia, in order to place his
fieldwork in SL into perspective. He does a good job of describing how
his study was conducted and the ethical principles he employed while
doing it.

“It was a joy to read a book about SecondLife where I kept nodding my
head instead of gnashing my teeth. The chapters describing SL
activities and social conventions rang true to me and focused on the
things I love about SL - it’s culture of community, sharing, and
friendship. The author obviously knows SL well and loves being here.”
Riven Homewood
Director, Steelhead Public Library

This event is open to anyone with a serious interest in how we live on
SecondLife and the ways in which academics are studying us. The
discussion will be held in the American Anthropologist Virtual
Auditorium on Anteater Island. Tom will use voice for the talk and
text for q&a. It is not necessary to have read the book in order to
participate, but book’s first chapter is available online at the
Princeton University Press website at
http://press.princeton.edu/titles/8647.html for those who would like
to read it.

Categories: Info Island Content

InfoIsland supports audio stream for PLCMC’s Technology Summit

Info Island Blog - Sat, 2008-08-16 14:00

Many thanks to Lorelei Junot with the Alliance Library System and Meno Rich with Worldbridges for recording the stream (and troubleshooting!) of Anastasia Goodstein from YPulse. Here presentation was at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County Technology Summit. In the morning presentation she spoke to an audience of librarians and library workers that mainly serve teens regarding teens use of technology and how library’s can support them. That podcast is here (I had some technical difficulties at the beginning so I didn’t get the entire podcast). In the afternoon she spoke to an audience of librarians and library workers that mainly serve tweens. That podcast is here. The presentations are pretty similar, but there are enough differences to find them both helpful.
We had librarians and attendees from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Spain. There were a few others, but I didn’t ask everyone A special thank you to Claudia Linden that visited for the afternoon session and for Linden Lab’s generous donation of two open space sims for librarian’s that attended the summit in person.

Categories: Info Island Content

Consortial collaborative virtual reference in Second Life

Info Island Blog - Wed, 2008-08-13 08:37

Consortial Reference Services in the virtual world of Second Life

The Alliance Virtual Library, the innovator in reference services is pleased to invite you and your organization to partner with us in the development of a network to offer collaborative virtual reference services. Many of the libraries in Second Life are located in the Info Island Archipelago group of islands, but many are not. The propsed partnership of all libraries to offer high qualtiy reference services to patrons will strengthen all the libraries in SL.

Reference was one of the first services started by the Alliance Virtual Library in SL, just over two years ago. It was a small, somewhat ad hoc service with four regular volunteers, covering about six hours of time a week. The vision was, and continues to be, to provide a generalist reference desk that could serve patrons arriving 24/7. By the end of 2006 we’ve grown to cover 80 hours a week, with around 38 regular volunteers, each covering a two hour shift. We help in the neighborhood of 300 patrons a week at present. The volunteers vary from MLS librarians to allied professions to paraprofessionals to friends of the library (i.e. classic library volunteer).

Our service has succeeded for a number of reasons. The foremost is presence. The presence of a live reference service person surprises and delights people and they do keep coming back. The success of our service depends entirely on our volunteers. They aren’t employees; they are people working for their love of libraries.

More and more libraries are working to establish a presence in SL, and reference will be the flagship service they will want to offer. The success of a new venture might very well depend on that key element; a live presence to assist the patrons. Also, many individuals seeking to obtain permission and funding to begin a library in SL are often met with roadblocks having to do with this same service issue.

There are two ways that a library may participate in the consortial program. Consortial virtual reference partners pledge time (ideally a two hour weekly shift) or other support to help expand the centralized reference services at Info International. In exchange the Alliance Virtual Library will offer your patrons a direct link to our services via intersim teleporters, landmarks, and notecards to be placed in your library in a reference kiosk (a five prim free-standing object with a .3mx.3m footprint). This object will direct patrons to the reference desk. Partners will receive full access to our reference statistics as well as having the ability to promote their library and its events through our central location.

We realize that some libraries are not able to commit time or resources to the reference project at this time but would still like to participate in the program. Consortial reference affiliates may have a reference kiosk installed at their location with no requirement of a commitment. We are willing to do this because we believe in supporting all libraries regardless of the resources that they have available to commit.

We believe the goal of collaborative virtual reference to expand the live library services may be one of the most important things we will do. Please contact Hypatia Dejavu, Alliance Reference Coordinator, hypatia.dejavu@gmail.com to discuss this concept at length. We are eager to begin our partnership with you.

Categories: Info Island Content

Info Island and libraries in second life this week

Info Island Blog - Sat, 2008-08-09 06:20

VIRTUAL ABILITY ISLAND GRAND OPENING!
Join us on Saturday, August 16th at 1 PM SLT to celebrate the Grand Opening of Virtual Ability Island. The island was developed with a new resident orientation center, advanced tutorials, and training facilities for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. The entire island is accessibility-friendly for new and experienced residents and will provide ongoing classes for people who want to search for and evaluate health information. Funding came through an initial grant from the National Library of Medicine to the Alliance Library System and is sustained by the generosity of individual contributors to Virtual Ability, Inc. We are excited to present this important resource to members of the Second Life community!
Location: Virtual Ability Island
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/128/128/23
Contact Carolina Keats or Eme Capalini, inworld, for more information.

Talis Cybrary Open House
Please join us at 4 p.m. SLT, Wednesday, August 13, 2008 to hear about all that’s happening with the residents of Talis Cybrary Island! Residents will give short presentation regarding their exciting current projects and intriguing future plans, followed by a chance to tour the island and capped with dancing to a live DJ. This is your chance to see one of the Info Archipelago’s loveliest new sims and meet the residents who are helping make this a happening place! Presentations and dancing will be at the Talis Cybrary Island Coliseum.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Talis%20Cybrary%20Island/197/142/23

For more information, contact Teofila Matova

Investing InfoIsland
Book discussion Friday at 8:30 am sl - lead by Maxito Ricardo - im Maxito or Lorelei Junot for a tp

Only Yesterday
Good news for those who love fashion and fashion history: there’s a new exhibit on Only Yesterday all about fashions of the ’30s:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Only%20Yesterday/95/92/40

Come find out what your parents and grandparents wore, beauty tips from the time and how to ‘make-do and mend’.

Info Island - Buckaroo
What: a demo of free tools, and a party to reopen my store
When: Buzz Session @ Info Island, Aug 15th at 6pm SL –
Party @ Buckaroo, Aug 16th at 6pm SL

I am reopening Buckaroo! This means FREE (for personal/edu/non-profit)
objects: WebMon, VidMon, Slider, and much more. These have been
used in many educational/library/etc settings.

The Buzz Session will be a demo of what’s available (Friday the 15th).
The Party will be on the roof of the store (Saturday the 16th)

Of course, there will be a couple of surprise items to demo.

A bit more info:
http://www.daniel.org/blog/2008/08/07/buckaroo-will-reopen

For more information contact Bucky Barkley.

Genealogy Research Center - Always at Sea: Navy Records

Wednesday, August 13th at 6 PM - Genealogy Research Center
Krag Mariner (RL: Craig Scott, President of Heritage Books), will present a genealogy seminar on researching Navy and Marine records for family history.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Info%20Island/176/219/33

The Sci-Fi & Fantasy Portal presents~
our August Meet the Author event:

Author: Erik Gordon Bainbridge in real life
Hawk Lightcloud in Second Life

Book: Warrior Brothers — a story which combines ancient legends;
the adventures of three young men learning who they will become;
loyalty among old and new friends; self-sacrifice;
and courage in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

Where: Info Island 210-94-33 places you
near the outdoor discussion platform

When: Saturday, August 16th. at 1 pm.

Mr. Bainbridge will read from his novel, then open for discussion with the audience.

We also will have (starting Friday) a sample of the novel in which you can read the Prologue and Chapter 1. It will be at ground level near the notice board for the Meet the Author event.

The Portal also has a Portal Meeting on Wednesday, August 13th. at 1 pm. Portal Members are encouraged to come. Other folks who are interested in Sci-Fi and/or Fantasy are invited to attend also. For more information, contact Franja Russell.

Alexandrian Free Library: Caledon, Winterfell, Steelhead & New Toulouse Library events August 12-19, 2008

Poetry Reading – The Courage of Intimacy
August 14th, 2008
3:30pm – 4:30pm SLT
Winterfell Library, Winterfell
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell/128/128/22
Threik Wilkinson in SL - Keith R. Ainsworth in RL, reads from his book of poetry, The Courage of Intimacy.
Life, death and the relationships we forge between: The Courage of Intimacy is a collection of modern poetry exploring the fundamental human need to connect with others.
_______________________________________________________________
_
Shakespeare Summer: The Tempest
August10th – August 16th
Radio Riel: http://music.radioriel.org
The third month of Shakespeare Summer, produced by Radio Riel in cooperation with the Caledon Library, and funded by the Foundation for Rich Content. Radio Riel’s “From The Library” programming all this week will feature music from, thematically connected to, or providing commentary and sidelights on, The Bard’s play of mariners, magic, & machinations . Programming & events this week lead up the the Tempest on August 16th. Visit Radio Riel at http://radioriel.blogspot.com/ for details of the programming

SL Shakespeare Summer Ball #3: The Tempest
Sat, August 16, 8pm – 10pm
Winterfell Libris
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell%20Libris/61/194/35
Join The Caledon Library for the grand finale of Shakespeare Summer, a Tempest ball on the enchanted isle of Winterfell Libris. Come dance with nymphs and goddesses, sorcerers and statesmen, drunken fools, mishap en monsters, airy spirits, and other denizen’s of Prospero’s isle. Guests are invited to choose a character from the play to RP at the Ball, or simply to come in their magical, classical, or Shakespearean best!

_________________________________________________________________

Lord Rosse, the Man Behind the Monster Telescopes
A lecture by Troy McLuhan
Monday, Aug. 18
6:00 PM PDT Slt
Caledon Primverness
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Primverness/57/180/35
William Parsons, the third Earl of Rosse (1800-1867),
better known as Lord Rosse, was a very busy man.
He was an aristocratic landlord to thousands of Irish
farm tenants, a politician, an engineer, and an astronomer.
Today he’s best-known for building the largest telescope
of the 19th century - the Leviathan of Parsonstown, and
using it to discover what we now call “spiral galaxies.”
But who was Lord Rosse and what was his life like?
Attend this talk to find out! (The talk will be delivered
using SL voice. Information on how to configure the
Voice Client will be available at the event)

An exhibit with models of the monster ’scopes, including
The Leviathan can be seen at
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Space%20Island/154/25/33

Categories: Info Island Content

The Library at Illumination Island Opens!

Info Island Blog - Sat, 2008-08-02 13:11

Cypress Rosewood entertained guests at the opening of Illumination Island, August 2nd at Noon. Abbey Zenith then introduced the creator of this lovely sim and repository of numerous works of literature for Second Life residents to enjoy! Xinoxi created a beautiful environment in which to showcase in-world and audio books. Rocky Vallejo spoke to the crowd of 35 about on “Sophia, the Lady of Light, Wisdom and the Word.” Other activites held throughout the day include:
1:30 - 2:30 PM SLT - Sting Rhode live with
Caribbean/tropical music flavored with steel drums
2:30 - 3:00 PM SLT - library tour
3:00 - 4:00 PM SLT - Changhigh Trinity Sisters Fireshow Spectacular - A supreme acrobatic fireshow with a mixture of spiritual music, universal insight, wisdom and philosophy
4:00 - 6:00 PM SLT - dance to the eclectic mix of music of DJ Walton Veria

Welcome to the Alliance Virtual Library Archipelago, Xinoxi Han and the library at Illumination Island!

Categories: Info Island Content

Staff meeting transcript 7/27/08

Info Island Worksite - Main Page - Wed, 2008-07-30 11:26

(READ THE ATTACHED WORD DOC FOR FULL TRANSCRIPT)

Categories: Info Island Content

Blogger account hacked

Info Island Blog - Tue, 2008-07-29 06:53

Last night I discovered that someone had hacked my blogger account and started several nasty blogs with my name on them. The posts were regarding second life and the library, etc. I have no idea who would do such a thing or why. If you see any blogs, websites, or postings out there supposedly by me that do not sound like me, please let me know. In this case, since whomever did this went into my account, I could go in and delete these blogs. I also changed my password. Please let me know if you see anything else out there that doesn’t look quite right. Thanks.

Categories: Info Island Content

More events this week

Info Island Blog - Sat, 2008-07-26 04:36

July 31st 6 PM SLT
Buzz Session - How to Present in Second Life
Info Island Open Air Auditorium
Our speaker will discuss various tools and presentation skills to help you make presentations in Second Life.

August 2nd at 11 AM SLT
Buzz Session - Continuing the Discussion - “Library Services in SL”
Info Island Open Air Auditorium
We will host a continuance of the discussion started on July 22nd by SL Education.

August 2nd at 1 PM SLT - 6 PM SLT
Grand Opening of Illumination Island
Illumination Island
Please join us in celebration of the opening of the newest addition to Alliance Virtual Library. Illumination Island is a visual showcase of books in Second Life. Come to browse, read, chat, enjoy musical events, and explore the island!

August 2nd at 6 PM SLT - 8 PM SLT
Road to Smart Investing Road Race! Bring your cars, trucks, SUVs, or motorcycles to Investing Info Island for a fun filled event. We’ll do two races - first 4 wheeled vehicle to finish three laps around our road course wins $500 L and first motorcycle to finish three laps around wins $500 L. No flying or cutting corners, winners must make three complete laps. We will dance to fun 60s sounds provided by our favorite DJ Gabrielle Riel of Radio Riel.

Categories: Info Island Content

Info Island and Libraries in Second Life this week

Info Island Blog - Fri, 2008-07-25 11:59

Technical Skills for the Virtual World of Second Life:
Tuesday evening (6-8 PM SLT) classes are offered through University of Illinois Urbana Champagne and Alliance Virtual Library with Pipsqueak Fiddlesticks and HVX Silverstar :
Classes will include 4 evening sessions on Camera Controls, Machinima Workflow, Basic Building and Introduction to Scripting.

Audience: Open to anyone interested in improving their SL technical skills. Students should feel comfortable navigating in Second life or have taken Second Life 101. Dates and times: Tuesdays, August 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM SL (US Pacific) time
Location: Second Life
Cost: $150
For more information:
http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/VW/tech.html

Planning for the Second Annual TSL College Fair is now underway!

What is it? A College Fair held in the online world Teen Second Life. The virtual environment will allow teens and representatives from colleges and universities from all over the world to interact with one another — and no one needs to leave home!

The fair will be held Sunday, October 12, 2008. 9 AM SLT - 3 PM SLT.
See http://eye4youalliance.youthtech.info/?page_id=629 for more information.

We are looking for college representatives and speakers to participate. If you are interested or would like more information please contact kraemer@email.uky.edu or eye4youalliance@gmail.com, or IM Alice Burgess or BlueWings Hayek on the main grid. Contact us early because the background check and transfer to the teen grid takes time. (No background check needed if you already have an avatar on the teen grid.) Please also let us know if you are willing to place a poster on your island to promote the event.

Eye4You Alliance Island is sponsored by the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County.

The Sci-Fi & Fantasy Portal~

Unfortunately our Meet the Author event,
scheduled for this Saturday–7/26–
with Tristan Meriman is postponed
until Saturday, Sept. 27th. at 1 pm.

Our next Film Discussion will be
Saturday, August 2nd. at 1 pm.
Title: Dr Strangelove
Hosts: Symmetry Munro and Hawk Lightcloud
Our Film Discussions are always lively and intriguing.
For more information, contact Franja Russell.

Shelter and Homeless Pets Exhibit Opens at Rainbow Gardens Pet
Memorial Center

Please join us on Sunday, August 10 at 11 am for the opening of a
Shelter and Homeless Pets Exhibit at Rainbow Gardens Pet Memorial
Center (Cybrary City ll (128, 12, 21). Selexia Aero of Pawprints
Animal Shelter will be guest speaker. Attendees may share stories
about the special shelter and homeless pets in their own lives. Pick
up a dog or cat t-shirt (4 designs offered) for L$5 to contribute to a
worthy cause. For further details, contact Dulcie Mills.

Programs on Cybrary City
1.) So You Want a Library or Organization in Second Life: A Practical Guide, Friday, August 1st 8:00 a.m. SLT. Riven Homewood of the Alexandrian Library will be one of the presenters. Participants will listen to practical advice, share experiences, & then tour a library. Lots of time for Q & A. Bring your questions. Presentation in voice and text.

2.) Advanced Second Life Features & Gadgets: A Potluck. Wilbur Wood of LearningTimes.org will faciliate a sharing of our favorite advanced SL features on Thursday, August 7th, at 8:00 a.m. SLT AND 3:00 p.m. SLT. Please bring your questions or favorite feature. Presentation will be primarily in voice. It is helpful to have the latest version of SL loaded.

3.) The Palestinian Librarian: A View on Library Services in an Arab Place. Palestinian Librarian Heyam Enzo will discuss librarianship in Gaza Strip, her experiences with opening a library in Second Life, and give a tour of her library on Cybrary City 1 on Wednesday, August 20th at 11:00 a.m. SLT. Presentation will be a combination of voice and text.

For more information, contact Sonja Morgwain.

Alexandrian Free Library: Caledon Library events July 29 - Aug 5
Exhibit Opening, and conversation with the Curator
Sat, August 2, 12pm – 2pm
Jack & Elaine Whitehorn Memorial Library, Caledon VictoriaCity
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20VictoriaCity/52/203/23

For our new exhibit “Augusta Ada Byron King – A Fairy in Your Corner”
August 1 – October 25th, 2008
Curated by Siri Woodget

“I can throw rays from every quarter of the universe into one vast focus”

Mesmerism, flying machines, Romantic verse and proto-computers…. Ada Byron (King), otherwise known as Lady Lovelace (1815-1852), stands at the intersection of Victorian art and science. Daughter of the renegade Lord Byron and his more numerically minded wife Annabella Milbanke, Ada was born with dual powers: her gift was to grasp and render mathematical theory with the immediacy of poetry.

Ada’s deep friendship with the mathematician Charles Babbage — designer of the steam-powered Difference and Analytical Engines — placed her at the origins of the computer age, and her genius for metaphor translated his theories into terms accessible to the educated layman. Most famous for her notes on the Analytical Engine, which some say represent the first computer program, Ada was admired and courted by the great minds of the day, including Michael Faraday, the pioneer of electromagnetics, and Charles Dickens.

As a woman, an intellectual and a mathematician, Ada cuts a compelling figure. Although she died young, her contributions to the history of computer science are significant. Join us in a celebration of her unique contribution, and find out how a young Victorian woman became the First Lady of computer programming.

Categories: Info Island Content

Literature in virtual worlds conference

Info Island Blog - Fri, 2008-07-25 06:07

Literature in Virtual Worlds Conference

On August 4th, 2008, and again on August 6th, Alliance Library System, in cooperation with LearningTimes, will offer a one-day conference exploring the possibilities of using virtual worlds to teach literature and to promote its appreciation for people of all ages. The conference, titled “Stepping into Literature: Bringing New Life to Books 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. Cost to attend the conference is $65 USD per person. Go to the registration form at http://www.learningtimes.net/shop/cgi-bin//cp-app.cgi?pg=prod&ref=SLCONF2008 and to the conferene website at www.steppingintovirtualworlds.org.

“Books have been with us for millenia, from Homer to Beowulf to Harry Potter” notes John Howard, conference director and Special Projects Coordinator for Alliance. “Great literature doesn’t change, but our ways of interacting with it do. What possibilities do virtual worlds offer us in sharing a love of literature? Is there value in building worlds that previously existed only in print, or in our imaginations? How can we use 3-D experiences to enhance our experience of literature?”

The conference will not be solely lecture-based, according to Howard. Instead, participants will take take part in a virtual book discussion, and take field trips into literature-based locations that have been created in Second Life. Participants may find themselves in an Edgar Allen Poe poem, visiting a “secret garden” or learning about gothic literature in an authentically spooky Gothic mansion. “They may even fall down a rabbit hole!” notes Howard. The conference will also feature one or more authors who have used virtual worlds to create, refine or promote their works. The day will conclude with a panel discussion including experts from a number of disciplines, and a social event.

“By doing this conference in Second Life, we can do more than just talk about ways to promote a love of literature in virtual worlds,” says Howard. “We can see and interact with some creative and educational applications in person.”

Beth Ritter-Gluth/Desideria Stockton is Second Life will be the keynote speaker and her talk is on “A Vision for Making Literature Come Alive in VIrtual Worlds.”. She is the creator of Literature Alive in Second Life and teaches English and Women’s Studies at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville, PA. She is the creator and director of Literature Alive! in Second Life, founding co-chair of hte 2007 SL Best Practices in Education International Conference: Teaching, Learning, and Research, Co-Founder of the SL Virtual Orphanage and Child Sponsorship program, and co-founder of Open SLedware

The keynote author is Kim Rufer-Bach who will speak on “Using Virtual Worlds to Promote Real Life Literature.” Kimberly Rufer-Bach (Kim Anubis in Second Life) is Owner, Designer and Producer of The Magicians, a 3D interactive software development company that specializes in creating innovative Second Life content. Some of her clients include the British Council, University of California Davis Medical Center, Global Kids, NASA, University of Queensland, and New York Law School. Kimberly is co-author of Creating Your World: The Official Guide to Advanced Content Creation for Second Life (Sybex, October 2007) and is currently at work on The Second Life Grid: The Official Guide to Communication Collaboration, and Community Engagement. Her online community management experience includes the roles of Community Forums Coordinator for There, and special events moderator and Editors Forum Host for iUniverse.com on AOL and the Web. She was on the team that
created the best-selling educational computer game First Men in the Moon Math

(Fisher-Price) in the mid-1980s. Publishing credits include articles, columns, non-fiction for children, and fiction. Kimberly garnered recommendations for the 1995 Bram Stoker Award for the novella “Daddy’s Girl,” which appeared in Adventures in the Twilight Zone (Ed. Carol Serling, DAW Books, Inc)

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, www.steppingintovirtualworlds.org or people may contact John Howard directly at 309.694.9200.

Categories: Info Island Content

Congratulations to the Infomaniac Racers in Relay For Life!

Info Island Blog - Tue, 2008-07-22 13:35

Dateline: Info Island, Second LIfe Metaverse (Written by HollyJean Allen)

The Infomaniac Racers, a Relay for Life team who’s sole purpose is to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, was recognized for its work in the category of Cancer Awareness. The third place award was given based on a special build that featured links to American Cancer Society web sites, and dispensed information on cancer, its detection and prevention. The build, a ‘campsite’ on the track of the relay, featured oversize books that honored family and friends who have been affected by cancer.

The books were placed in a park-like setting surrounding a lake fed by a waterfall. A winding path guided visitors to the books and the information dispensers. Each of six books were written by members of the Infomaniac Racers. Georgette Whitfield, Amalia Broome, Sinner Sleeper, Waldron Rhino, Buddhistlibrarian Ballyhoo, and Hollyjean Allen. Amalia Broome also wrote poetry to recognize cancer survivors and caregivers everywhere. The site was fully terra-formed by Krull Aeon, and landscaped by Amalia Broome, Judi Newall, and Hollyjean Allen. It was a very moving place to visit.

The team was formed last January, 2008. For the last six months team members worked to generate funds for the Relay for Life campaign. They were one of 89 teams with a common goal. The combined fund raising efforts collected over $200,000 in United States Dollars! Many members of the InfoGroupies made many large donations of Lindens, and gave a great deal of their time walking the Relay track so that the team was represented for a full twenty four hours. This is done to help us all remember that cancer does not sleep.

The team was comprised of Alacrity Lorefield, Amalia Broome, Beliria Lumley, BuddhistLibrarian Ballyhoo, Forelle Broek, Haldin Koba, Honor Reiderer, Judi Newall, Leeorie Alter, Lorin Tone, Lourdes Denimore, Sinner Sleeper, Waldron Rhino, and Hollyjean Allen.

Categories: Info Island Content

Info Island and Libraries in Second Life this week

Info Island Blog - Sat, 2008-07-19 13:05

Investing InfoIsland
Join us on Investing InfoIsland as Idsz of March presents “Rules of Retirement” on Tuesday July 22
at 7 pm sl. Idsz will discuss the traditional way people save and invest for retirement and how that is changing.
The program will be held near the cafe on the waterfront. Contact Lorelei Junot for more information.

Join us Thursday, July 24th beginning at 6:00 p.m. SLT at the Lodge in the center of Investing InfoIsland for a book discussion lead by Maxito Ricardo. Chilton, David. 1997. The Wealthy Barber: Everyone’s Commonsense Guide to Becoming Financially Independent (Updated 3rd Edition). In this classic beginner’s guide to personal investment and financial planning – with a plot! – Roy, the fictional town barber, teaches beginning investors about planning for retirement, wills, life insurance, saving, investing in real estate, taxes, and even how to end up with some fun money for your retirement.

Reader’s Garden, Info Island - Discussion of Snow Crash
Vallibrarian Gregg will faciliate a discussion of Neal Stephenson’s book, Snow Crash on Wednesday, July 23rd at 6:00 p.m. SLT. Reader’s Garden, Info Island http://slurl.com/secondlife/Info%20Island/100/162/33
For more information, contact Sonja Morgwain.

The Sci -Fi & Fantasy Portal on Info Island

The Portal has it’s regular
4th. Wednesday of the month Meeting
at 6:30 pm (SL time) on July 23rd.
Place: Info Island 210–94–33
Anyone interested in these genres is welcome.

The Portal also presents it’s Meet the Author event
A real life Author comes and reads from one of his/her novels,
then opens a discussion with the audience.
Author: Glenn Manewell
When: Saturday, July 26th. at 1 pm (SL time).

The Sci-Fi & Fantasy Portal welcomes everyone interested in these two creative and interesting genres to share their ideas and insights. We’ve had many fascinating discussions at our events. Hope to see you at any or all of our events.

Don’t forget to check out our posters and the Information-giver cubes by each poster both on the ground under the Portal and inside the Portal. We have displays in the Portal featuring various authors and groups of authors.

Franja Russell, of the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Port

West of Ireland Library and Cultural Center Events

Tuesdays @ 7pm slt: Han Sontse continues “Ariel, A Book of the Change” by Steven R. Boyett

Wednesdays @ 7pm slt: Rei Hax is reading “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card

Thursdays @ 7pm slt: Shandon Loring delights with Celtic legends and stories from the Catskill Mtns of NY

Saturdays @ 2pm slt: Elder Priestman relates stories from “Zion’s Cause” by Jim Peyton

http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/51/152/26

Please IM Derry McMahon if there are any questions

Alexandrian Free Library: Caledon, New Toulouse, Steelhead, & Winterfell Library Events July 23- 29 , 2008

——————————

Shakespeare Summer: Romeo and Juliet
Sun, July 20 – Sat, July 26
Radio Riel: http://music.radioriel.org
The second month of Shakespeare Summer, produced by Radio Riel in cooperation with the Caledon Library, and funded by the Foundation for Rich Content. Radio Riel’s “From The Library” programming all this week will feature music from, thematically connected to, or providing commentary and sidelights on, The Bard’s eternally popular play of the impetuosities and tragedies of youthful love. Programming & events this week lead up the the Romeo & Juliet Ball on July 26th. Visit Radio Riel at http://radioriel.blogspot.com/ for details of the programming

——————————

The Second Annual Bookbinders Ball
July 25th, 6-8 pm SLT
Coughton Court, Caledon Carntaigh
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Carntaigh/83/183/25

A Formal, Fancy Dress ball in Caledon, to celebrate The Caledon Library’s collaboration with Radio Riel on their FFRC supported “Shakespeare Summer” project.
Hosted by JJ Drinkwater of the Caledon Library & the Alexandrian Free Library, Gabrielle Riel of Radio Riel & Riel Events, and the funloving folks of Info Island’s TX950. The theme of this event is “What’s in a Name?” and you are invited to come as your favorite Shakespearian Actor, Character, or Play. We will once again be playing our Guessing Game, where you fill out your “Library Card” with the names of fellow revelers whom you have “checked out” for the dance, and your guesses as to what their costume represents. Join us for an evening of very literate festivity indeed!

——————————

Shakespeare Summer Ball #2: Romeo and Juliet
Sat, July 26, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Coughton Court
Caledon Carntaigh
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Carntaigh/83/183/25

Come and experience the Masquerade Ball in at the villa of the Capulets, from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. All attendees are encouraged to come in Renaissance garb, or costumes inspired by any of the play’s numerous interpretations. If you want, come and roleplay one of the characters from the play….Balconies *will* be provided! Sponsored by the Caledon Library and Produced by Riel Events. Visit Radio Riel at http://radioriel.blogspot.com/ for details.

——————————

Caledon Library Book Discussion: Moby Dick & Yankee Whaling
Sun, July 27, 2pm – 4pm
The Falling Anvil Public House, Caledon Tamrannoch
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Tamrannoch/233/113/23/

A book discussion and look at the historical whailing industry of New England.
The Great American Novel? A great treatise on ..or apolgy for…whaling? A great throbbingly overworked phallic metaphor? A great bloody bore? Herman Mellivle’s “Moby-Dick, or The Whale” is revered and controversial, loved and derided. The novel is also an enduring source of cultural references, from the highfalutin’ all the way down to Jeff Smith’s graphic novel series “Bone”…and a certain Great White Coffee Chain. What’s sure is that it is a great walloping leviathan of a novel, stuffed with brilliant prose, skillful metaphor, sly humor, and narrow observation.

All misunderstood cetaceans, obsessed captains, idle observers, dauntless harpooners, and sweet-talking bosuns are welcome to join us, whether they have read the work or not

——————————

Story Session at the Falling Anvil: Jack Tars & Commodores
Mon, July 28th 9, 5 – 8p:
The Falling Anvil Public House, Caledon Tamrannoch
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Tamrannoch/233/113/23/

“Here are tinkers, tailors & shoemakers lie snoring fast asleep
While we poor souls on the ocean wide are plowing through the deep
Our officers commanded us, and it’s them we must obey
Expecting every moment for to get cast away”

Join the old salts, coasters, stowaways, privateers & other bold seafaring folk of the Falling Anvil for stories & songs of life at sea. Anyone with a tale to tell of high adventure on the high seas, mermaids, shipwrecks, bold raids, buffeting storms and miscellaneous maritime misadventures is welcome to come tell a tale, and all lovers of story are welcome to join us simply to listen. The evening is sponsored by the Caledon Library and the Clan of Seafarers & Storytellers, and hosted by Aldo Stern.

Categories: Info Island Content

As the Virtual Worlds Turn

Info Island Blog - Tue, 2008-07-15 09:39

Newsbreak from Information Today on Google Lively and Vivaty

http://newsbreaks.infotoday.com/nbReader.asp?ArticleId=49931

Categories: Info Island Content

Info Island and Libraries in Second Life this week

Info Island Blog - Sun, 2008-07-13 07:02

SciFi Fantasy Gallery

Wednesday July 16 at 1 pm and Saturday July 19 at 1 pm
Book of the Month Discussion
featuring Paul Levinson’s THE SILK CODE
For more information contact Franja Russell.

Cybrary City 1
Advanced Second Life Features: An Interactive Potluck, August 7, 2008 8:00 a.m. SLT & 3:00 p.m. SLT, Open Auditorium on Cybrary City 1(http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cybrary%20City/124/157/24). Join Wilbur Wood, CEO of LearnTimes, producers of online conferences, communities and events http://www.learningtimes,net/3d for a free program and discussion about advanced features in second life. Participants are encouraged to bring their own favorite feature or useful gadget to display. Presentation will be in voice.

So You Want a Library or Organzation in Second Life: A Practical Guide 8:00 a.m. SLT August 1, Open Auditorium, Cybrary City I Brief presentation in voice, tour an existing library, learn about available parcels, & lots of time for Q and A. All are welcome. Riven Homewood from the Alexandrian Library, Caledon will also present.

Contact Sonja Morgwain for more information.

Alexandrian Free Library: Caledon, New Toulouse, Steelhead, & Winterfell Library Events July 15th-26th, 2008

Book Discussion - The Sea Wolf by Jack London
Sun, July 20, 2pm – 3pm
Steelhead Public Library, Steelhead City
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead/123/185/24
A discussion of Jack London’s stirring epic. From bibliomania.com “The Sea-Wolf was published in 1904, during the time of London’s great successes with The Call of the Wild, published the year before. It tells of Humphrey Van Weyden, an amateur literary critic who finds himself picked up by the sealing schooner Ghost when the ship that he is travelling on across the San Francisco Bay collides with a steamer. A new central character emerges in the form of Wolf Larson. Larson is a fierce, strong and ruthless industrialist. After the Ghost rescues some refugees near Japan on its sealing expedition, Larson and Van Weyden come into conflict over the poet Maude Brewster. In time Brewster and Van Weyden manage to escape to a desert island together. However, in time, the Ghost finds itself drawn to them half-wrecked and without a sail. Larson is now in a sorry, semi-paralysed state and even though Van Weyden and Brewster manage to find a way to sail the ship away, Larsen dies a sad and individualistic creature while Van Weyden shows his nature as a moral and decent individual.”

Shakespeare Summer: Romeo and Juliet
Sun, July 20 – Sat, July 26
Radio Riel: http://music.radioriel.org
The second month of Shakespeare Summer, produced by Radio Riel in cooperation with the Caledon Library, and funded by the Foundation for Rich Content. Radio Riel’s “From The Library” programming all this week will feature music from, thematically connected to, or providing commentary and sidelights on, The Bard’s eternally popular play of the impetuosities and tragedies of youthful love. Programming & events this week lead up the the Romeo & Juliet Ball on July 26th. Visit Radio Riel at http://radioriel.blogspot.com/ for details of the programming

Book Discussion - Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Mon, July 21, 6pm – 8pm
The Great Lawn of the Whitehorn Library, Caledon VIctoriaCity
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/30/180/23
Bellicose Tybalt, fanciful Mercutio, the bawdy Nurse, the compassionate Friar, the tender and tragic lovers, the proud Capulets and the haughty Montagues, each strut and fret their hour upon the stage in Shakespeare’s endlessly popular, endlessly reinterpreted tragedy of young love’s power and pathos. All are welcome at this discussion, whether they have read the play or not.

The Second Annual Bookbinders Ball
July 25th, 6-8 pm SLT
Coughton Court, Caledon Carntaigh
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Carntaigh/83/183/25
A Formal, Fancy Dress ball in Caledon, to celebrate The Caledon Library’s collaboration with Radio Riel on their FFRC supported “Shakespeare Summer” project.
Hosted by JJ Drinkwater of the Caledon Library & the Alexandrian Free Library, Gabrielle Riel of Radio Riel & Riel Events, and the funloving folks of Info Island’s TX950. The theme of this event is “What’s in a Name?” and you are invited to come as your favorite Shakespearian Actor, Character, or Play. We will once again be playing our Guessing Game, where you fill out your “Library Card” with the names of fellow revelers whom you have “checked out” for the dance, and your guesses as to what their costume represents. Join us for an evening of very literate festivity indeed!

Shakespeare Summer Ball #2: Romeo and Juliet
Sat, July 26, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Coughton Court
Caledon Carntaigh
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Carntaigh/83/183/25
Come and experience the Masquerade Ball in at the villa of the Capulets, from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. All attendees are encouraged to come in Renaissance garb, or costumes inspired by any of the play’s numerous interpretations. If you want, come and roleplay one of the characters from the play….Balconies *will* be provided! Sponsored by the Caledon Library and Produced by Riel Events.

“Summer Author Chats” Event in Teen Second Life® – Summer, 2008

The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC), TeachingBooks.net, and Chicago Public Schools Department of Libraries and Information Services are pleased to announce a very special series of three events, “Summer Author Chats”, discussions that will take place in Teen Second Life. These programs will give selected authors and teens the opportunity to interact online in a safe and creative way on PLCMC’s virtual island, Eye4You Alliance.

Kelly Czarnecki, Technology Education Librarian at PLCMC shares, “Having authors interact with teens in the medium of a virtual world is not only a great way to bring stories to life, but connects youth with authors in ways they might not have the opportunity to otherwise.”

“This series merges the traditional “Author in the Library” summer reading event with the exciting technology of Second Life,” says Lisa Perez, the Area Library Coordinator, Chicago Public Schools Department of Libraries. “We’re bringing authors to where the teens are, and enabling them to interact and learn from each other.”

Teen Second Life (http://teen.secondlife.com) is a 3D virtual world where teens can learn valuable 21st century skills and build a variety of developmental assets as they engage with their peers from all over the world, communicate in multiple media formats, and express their identities through their own virtual appearances.

Teens have helped construct a space for author presentations with author liaison support provided by PLCMC, TeachingBooks.net and Chicago Public Schools Department of Libraries. Teens have assisted in the planning of these events, participated in an avatar design contest, created web-based support materials, and advertised these programs to the Second Life teen community. Writing, role playing, and anime/manga groups are just some of the teen-driven, literary-related groups within Teen Second Life.

The three participating authors, who are volunteering their time for this program, are extraordinarily well known and acclaimed. They have received dozens of awards and distinctions, and have never participated in a Second Life program before.

Authors of young adult literature will participate as avatars, digital representations of themselves.

To learn more about these events, how to log onto Teen Second Life (must be 13 – 17 years old), how to visit a companion educator’s event (18 years +) and to download a flyer, visit http://www.libraryloft.org/secondlife.asp