Virtual Libraries and Education in Virtual Worlds

Abstract

The Gartner Group predicts that by 2011, 80% of those who use the Internet and Fortune 500 companies will be involved in virtual worlds. This is estimated to be 50–60 million people (Gartner Group Press Release, 2007). From April 2006 to July 2007, the virtual world of Second Life increased from 180,000 accounts to over 8 million, growing an average of 30% a month. The ultimate virtual world may or may not be Second Life; however, with the rapidly increasing use of programs like Second Life, World of Warcraft, and other worlds, virtual worlds are here to stay in one form or another. We think libraries need to be there too. Many individuals involved in virtual worlds may not be traditional library users. By putting ourselves where the users are, there is a great opportunity to increase use of the bricks and mortar library and to promote library services and materials. In this chapter we will discuss the virtual world of Second Life, what libraries are doing in Second Life, the successes and challenges of the project, partnerships with education, and why libraries are relevant in these worlds.