Preferred Library Scenario -- Virtual Reality : a PolyU Branch Library in Second Life

Abstract

Second Life is a Multi-user Virtual Environment (MUVE). This virtual world is being increasingly used in education. While PolyU is the first university in Hong Kong to explore the possibilities of Second Life for teaching and research use, a large number of educational institutions, such as Harvard, Stanford, University College of Dublin, and many professional societies, for example American Library Association, have already established themselves in Second Life, and are using this platform to develop new teaching and learning solutions.

Pao Yue-kong Library in Second Life can provide various access or links to the actual library resources, such as books, journals, information literacy programmes, etc., and chat room, and displays of interest to the wide university community.

In the future, you can also use Second Life as an alternate way to access e-resources, talk to avatar librarians, and attend workshops, library activities and exhibitions. You can stay connected to the library and other students in a creative virtual environment where your imagination is the only limit.