While I see enormous potential in virtual worlds like Second Life, I work so much in front of a computer that any time away from the screen is most welcome. But for those who could not physically visit a location, but need information, a virtual library would be more welcoming than just a regular internet catalog interface.
A SL Library Location could be a neat place to hold book clubs, or virtual classes for those that have trouble traveling.
Nick M's intro video for Second Life is hilarious and informative. I look forward to seeing more from him.
Showing posts with label second life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label second life. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, June 4, 2007
Back in the Saddle
Last week I got back from vacation, and I am just now getting back into the flow. Thus, a new work blog.
This past Friday I attended a meeting in the IPS to work with Second Life, an online world similar to Sims or Worlds of Warcraft. However, instead of going on missions and killing stuff, the focus in SL is to create things and places and be involved in a virtual community. I am going to try to create an avatar this week and walk around the place to get the real feel.
What I find really facinating is that the origins for this type of alterative universe, or
"meta-verse", has firm roots in science fiction. In 1992, Neal Stephenson wrote a book called Snow Crash that provides a detailed account of just such a meta-verse, and coined the term "avatar" in the sense that it is now known. What science fiction dreams up, scientists create. I love it.
While I find it quite reputable that OCLS is involved in such a new technology, I don't see it being useful for a few years yet. The technology required to run this program sucessfully and the time and effort needed to be a viable part of such a community is significant, and out of reach for most people. What I like about the library is that it welcomes and is accessible to all people, regardless of background or means. At this time, SL users are a small, forward thinking group. Perhaps in time this will change.
This past Friday I attended a meeting in the IPS to work with Second Life, an online world similar to Sims or Worlds of Warcraft. However, instead of going on missions and killing stuff, the focus in SL is to create things and places and be involved in a virtual community. I am going to try to create an avatar this week and walk around the place to get the real feel.
What I find really facinating is that the origins for this type of alterative universe, or
"meta-verse", has firm roots in science fiction. In 1992, Neal Stephenson wrote a book called Snow Crash that provides a detailed account of just such a meta-verse, and coined the term "avatar" in the sense that it is now known. What science fiction dreams up, scientists create. I love it.
While I find it quite reputable that OCLS is involved in such a new technology, I don't see it being useful for a few years yet. The technology required to run this program sucessfully and the time and effort needed to be a viable part of such a community is significant, and out of reach for most people. What I like about the library is that it welcomes and is accessible to all people, regardless of background or means. At this time, SL users are a small, forward thinking group. Perhaps in time this will change.
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