Link between gamers and libraries
Jenny Levine (The Shifted Librarian)posted about the creation of a special library program INSIDE the popular online virtual live game, SecondLife!
"Alliance Library System(http://www.alliancelibrarysystem.com/) and OPAL (Online Programming for All Libraries) – (http://www.opal-online.org/) are pleased to announce that selected OPAL programs will soon be offered in the online virtual reality game Second Life (http://www.secondlife.com/). Book discussions, training sessions, and other programs will be offered to current virtual residents. The goal of the project is to promote the real library and online library services to adults who might not otherwise use the library."
Wait! Stop! This is too much for me.
Are we now chasing after our users who are willingly and knowingly left the library, because what we offer is not relevant for them, presented the wrong way, or whatever .. and got into a online game to do .... anything but learning and searching?
I am all for getting into the user's environment and see the positive things in getting visible -as a library- in all kinds of user communities, but this seems a little weird.
If we can not succeed in effective library programs in real life, why should this suddenly work in virtual life?
But, I am certainly curious enough to find out more and just registered for a free SL-account .... and the http://groups.google.com/group/alliancesecondlife.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
The chase for users : linking between gamers and libraries!
Link between gamers and libraries
Jenny Levine (The Shifted Librarian)posted about the creation of a special library program INSIDE the popular online virtual live game, SecondLife!
"Alliance Library System(http://www.alliancelibrarysystem.com/) and OPAL (Online Programming for All Libraries) – (http://www.opal-online.org/) are pleased to announce that selected OPAL programs will soon be offered in the online virtual reality game Second Life (http://www.secondlife.com/). Book discussions, training sessions, and other programs will be offered to current virtual residents. The goal of the project is to promote the real library and online library services to adults who might not otherwise use the library."
Wait! Stop! This is too much for me.
Are we now chasing after our users who are willingly and knowingly left the library, because what we offer is not relevant for them, presented the wrong way, or whatever .. and got into a online game to do .... anything but learning and searching?
I am all for getting into the user's environment and see the positive things in getting visible -as a library- in all kinds of user communities, but this seems a little weird.
If we can not succeed in effective library programs in real life, why should this suddenly work in virtual life?
But, I am certainly curious enough to find out more and just registered for a free SL-account .... and the http://groups.google.com/group/alliancesecondlife.
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2 comments:
I don't know. I love the library, but I also love virtual online communities. Just because I won't get off my butt doesn't mean I don't want to talk to a librarian!
"If we can not succeed in effective library programs in real life, why should this suddenly work in virtual life?"
Perhaps part of reason for the percieved lack of success in effective library programs is that we are not doing enough to meet our users where their needs and interests are. We SHOULD go where our users are, in real life and in online - I see the Second Life project as another form of outreach. It may become a forum to touch base with people who DO not use traditional libraries or libraries services, and to find out why they think libraries are no longer relevant.
As a self-described computer gamer, I am surprised that you don't think you do searching and learning within game environments. I can't wait to read your forthcoming post about gamers and libraries. :)
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