Libraries and immersive learning environments unite in Second Life

• Published in: Library hi tech Vol. 27; no. 3; pp. 338 - 356
• Main Authors: Hill, Valerie, Lee, Hyuk-Jin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Group Publishing Limited 04.09.2009; Emerald
• Subjects: Collaboration; Computer & video games; Computer information security; Digital libraries; Education; Exact sciences and technology; Gain; Immersive learning; Information and communication sciences; Information industry; Information science. Documentation; Information service management; Information services; Learning; Learning management systems; Librarians; Libraries; Library and documentation centre management; Library collections; Multimedia; Online information services; Profession; Sciences and techniques of general use; Studies; Sustainability; User service management; Virtual communities; Virtual reality; Virtual work; Information services; Virtual work; Information service; Library; Learning environment; Virtual reality
• ISSN: 0737-8831; 2054-166X
• DOI: 10.1108/07378830910988487

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the current impact of virtual worlds on librarianship and identify significant gains in a new mode of information delivery and immersive learning.Design methodology approach - Through exploratory research and observation, the prospective study addresses a very new trend in information delivery and technology within library services.Findings - Provides evidence of global collaboration among information scientists, significant contributions to library collections, and potential for educational opportunities through immersive learning environments.Research limitations implications - A small number of librarians are participating in virtual world librarianship in relation to the profession, due to the mode being a very new one. Future research should include studying the needs of library patrons and information seeking behaviors in virtual worlds along with accessibility, security and sustainability.Practical implications - The study implies many educational opportunities and potential for information organization, information delivery, multimedia, and immersive learning on a global scale.Originality value - This study presents significant evidence that virtual worlds have provided a new medium of information delivery and educational opportunities that librarians are currently embracing and sharing with other fields, including medicine, art, science, and education.