Medical Library Association 2007 Annual Meeting.
Independence Ballroom, Philadelphia Downtown Marriott, Monday, May 21, 2007, 3:05-3:22 pm.
The Ultimate Virtual Library: Health Info Island
Powerpoint presentation (large file - please be patient!)
Bibliography, pulled from LibraryResearch.com, April 30, 2007.
Handout (Word document)
Authors:
- Carol Perryman, Fellow and PhD Student, School of Information and Library Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
- Jennifer E. Watson, Assistant Professor and Department Head, Electronic and Collection Services, Library, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN.
- Guus van den Brekel, Coordinator, Electronic Services, Central Medical Library, University Medical Centre, Groningen, Netherlands.
Objectives and Methods:
Objective: In building new models for service that explore the use of new technologies and innovative methods of collaboration, librarians at the Second Life Medical and Consumer Health Libraries are reaching out to the one million registered users of the Second Life 3D online world. We will discuss the experience of this new setting, a step beyond even virtual reference.
Methods: We outline the history and purpose of virtual communities such as Second Life, then examine the rationale for establishing medical and consumer health libraries in Second Life in light of changing demands for library services and the revisioning of the concept of library as place. Priorities include the identification of user populations and collaboration with librarians and nonlibrarians from wide-ranging backgrounds across the globe. The virtual environment for medical and consumer health libraries is compared with the brick-and-mortar environment, highlighting the role of Second Life as a "sand box" for exploring new models of information service and user interaction. Challenges include providing reference services, building collections, cataloging in a virtual environment, coping with the instability and impermanence of a virtual environment, and working with an all-volunteer workforce.
Results and Conclusions:
Results: The fast-paced environment of Second Life makes it difficult to offer results, when changes occur almost by the minute. HealthInfo Island attracts a large number of visitors and has begun to serve as an information and referral resource for quality health information. Observations are made about recruitment and organization of personnel and the limitations and possibilities of technology in this new setting. The global nature of a Web-based multi-user virtual environment presents additional challenges in terms of language and cultural barriers.
Conclusions: At this early stage of development, volunteers and organizations are more present than individual patrons, due to the lack of marketing. Plans for action include outreach, resource development, and enhanced access to resources at Second Life. It is our belief that exposure to diverse patron and disciplinary populations in communities such as Second Life has the potential to enhance our understanding of the challenges facing libraries today.
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For more information about the content of this page, or to volunteer on Health Info Island, contact jenniferwatson@tennessee.edu
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