Virtual Book Discussions Dissolve Boundaries

The Community Virtual Library holds virtual book discussions at a round table where all are welcome.  The Science Fiction genre is particularly popular because the virtual world setting lends itself to futuristic ideas!

virtualRoundTable Usually the discussions are held on the 4th Friday of the month.  On September 22, 2017, the title is ANTHEM by Ayn Rand.  This dystopian novel, published in 1938, takes place in a futuristic dark age where the concept of individuality no longer exists.

If you don’t have the book, come visit the Community Virtual Library in Second Life to pick up a copy on the round table by the door!  WEAR the book and click on it to access either an ebook or an audiobook.

Snapshot_001

Come join us in a library without walls in a world where distance is irrelevant.  Don’t worry if you have not had time to finish the book because you will surely enjoy a lively discussion.

Aspirations are Dreams You Work On Together – UW Avalumni Exhibit at SL12B

SL12B-opening

Aspirations are Dreams You Work On Together! Please visit the UW Avalumni Exhibit at the Second Life 12th Birthday Celebration / SL12B!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SL12B%20Astound/226/25/22

Dreams are lofty goals that when shared and worked on collaboratively become amazing gifts and tools that all can enjoy. Gathering a team who shares your aspirations to educate, uplift, and innovate can make dreams come true.

At this Makers Space Workshop, the Avalumni construct shared aspirations that start as imaginative dreams. Together they research, collect, curate, script, and construct amazing projects and presentations that encourage virtual world use worldwide and connect communities.

Virtual worlds afford the possibility of fantastic dreams to become reality. Yet, the reality is working together is the dream we all have had collectively. The UW Avalumni have successfully obtained in Second Life and want to encourage others to learn more and work together. The UW Avalumni, University of Washington Virtual Worlds Program Avatar Alumni, champion innovation, immersive learning, enterprising research, and lead creative exploration in virtual worlds.

SL12B-CC_1024x1024-purple

This year’s theme for the SL12B Community Celebration is “What Dreams May Come.”

http://www.slcommunitycelebration.info/

Special thanks to Raven, Sparky, Suzician, Val, and Zinnia for contributing to the SL12B Avalumni Exhibit!

Thank you, Jordanna, for the apple pie!

UW Virtual Hub Library: Plans for 3D Information Literacy

by Dr. Valerie Hill (Valibrarian)

Libraries are changing as we enter an era of global participatory digital culture. The physical space of libraries is (and perhaps always will be) valued as a community hub, a learning commons, or a “makerspace”; however virtual spaces are in demand as information seekers now access information on mobile pocket devices and a generation of gamers demand immersive, engaging experiences with media.

Graduates of the University of Washington Certificate in Virtual Worlds are collaborating on a virtual world library alongside a museum which will highlight 3D content. The planning session for the virtual world library space began with concepts about information literacy (IL) in new formats and the importance of personal responsibility for 21st century learning standards.

The UW Virtual Hub Library seeks to deliver 3D information literacy skills through immersion, interactivity, and an aesthetic metaphor for learning through the seasons of life. View the underlying concepts of a virtual world library and make plans to visit once the UW Virtual Hub Library opens. Plans include: metadata as art, digital footprints in 3D, digital citizenship displays, live events on IL topics, interactive critical evaluation of content (to demonstrate how online information may be inaccurate) through a balance of tradition and innovation.