1. University of SC - SCLIS
Davis 2.0 Virtual Center
A Multi-User Virtual
Environment in Second Life
Charnette Singleton – Spring 2009 – J709
2. Multi-User Virtual Environment
(MUVE)
• Learning is interactive.
– Interaction with the virtual environment is in real
time.
• Learning is student centered.
– Students can explore at their own pace.
• Although still fairly new and being
researched, most scholars feel the above two
attributes make (MUVEs) lean toward
constructivism.
3. Second Life
Second Life is a three-dimensional virtual
community created entirely by its membership.
Members assume an identity and take up
residence in Second Life, creating a customized
avatar to represent themselves. The avatar
moves about in the virtual world using mouse
control and keyboard buttons.
4. Second Life
• Considered a 3-D social network.
• Allows collaboration between objects and
avatars.
• Used for
educational, business, entertainment, etc.
purposes.
5. Second Life Library / Educational Uses
• Professional associations like the American
Library Association (ALA) offer
seminars, forums, etc. in Second Life.
• Teachers conduct online classes in Second Life.
• Library collections are expanded as users visit
other collections worldwide in Second Life.
• Reference services such as chat
reference, online tutorials, etc. are in Second
Life.
6. Second Life Library / Educational Uses
• Streaming audio and video collections are
available.
• Virtual Museums and tourism allow cultural
exploration.
7. Negatives
• Learning curve for technology.
• Users need a fast computer with a good
internet connection. Students accessing the
library /classes remotely may have difficulties.
• Many see Second Life as being no different
than library services offered via the library
website or through regular chat / virtual
reference services.
8. Arodue String
Hello,
My name is Arodue String.
I am the Avatar of Charnette
Singleton. Today we will be
taking a tour of the Davis 2.0
Reference Center in Second
Life. The is part of the
School of Library &
Information Science at the
University of South Carolina.
9. Purpose of Davis 2.0 Virtual Center
• “serve as an instructional aid,
• connect on-campus and distance education
students in a virtual community,
• create a social network to connect
information professionals and alumni with
current LIS students. “
(from website – SLIS in Second Life)
10. The SLIS Davis 2.0 Reference Center is located on
the Eduisland 4 in the Second Life World. The
facilities include:
• a library (the Davis 2.0 Reference Center),
• a Zen garden,
• an auditorium,
• and a commons.
12. Davis 2.0 Reference Library
• Information Desk with rotating sign.
• Reference Desk
– Manned by virtual librarians
– Rotating Sign
• Reference Services.
• Need Help?
• How May We Help You?
• Research Consultation.
14. The first level has reference services, public seating, a simulated check-out
counter, reference books area, etc. Currently this is primarily an online
reference service.
15. Approaching the Reference Desk
Entering the reference area, the reference librarian was on duty. Another
library patron was being served. They noticed me and brought me into the
conversation. Conversations nearby are not private. There is the option to
make a chat private by using Instant Messaging.
16. While chatting with the reference librarian, a library
book search from the University’s main library (Thomas
Cooper Library) was conducted.
Reference
dialogue
Transcript
Library
Catalog
17.
18. 2nd level Multimedia Classroom
This area can be used for small meetings, bibliographic instruction
classes (i.e. how to use online databases).
19. Receiving a tour of the Auditorium
from another librarian.
This area can be used for multimedia plays, presentations, etc. The colorful
pillows are available for you to sit on.
21. The Commons
• The Commons is a four-storied building with a sky
bridge connected to the Davis 2.0 Reference Center.
It is designed to provide various types of amenities for
events and functions, and avatars can use the teleport
spots to easily go to top floors.
• 1st floor - a display of pictures of the SLIS faculty and
staff. Also a welcome message film from the SLIS
Director, Dr. Samantha Hastings, can be played on the
multimedia board on this level.
• 2nd Floor - a boardroom and a walkway to the Library.
• 3rd Floor - a theater and a reception area.
• 4th Floor - two meeting rooms and a lounge.
