SLA Second Life Event
by Hope Tillman, tillman@babson.edu

SLA Boston Emerging Technologies Committee members swarmed Second Life on Thursday, May 24, 2007. Amid a lot of laughter, hula dancing, and some clothes malfunctions, the group explored Second Life, selecting their second life names, downloading software, and entering the Island. Attending were Amalthea Nemeth, Elyag Sands, Walpurgis Homewood, Hartshorn Allen, and Ani Petrov among others.

After a few computer crashes and the typical problems of live workshops the group began touring starting at InfoIsland at the SirsiDynix pavilion opposite the SL Library on Alliance Avenue. A couple of virtual attendees joined the group at this point. Library sites explored included the current exhibit of Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash, the ICT Library, Genealogical Research Library, and Mystery Library. Moving beyond the library sphere, some teleported to Reuters News island, Coca Cola's Virtual Thirst, and Yankee Stadium. We were happy to see the Red Sox banners and shirts to add to our inventory. Along the way, we crashed into walls, flew high, and changed appearances.

Ani Petrov noted that there is a Special Librarians group on Second Life, and by instant message, we learned of a Second Life event to be held at SLA in Denver. We agreed that Second Life is very much a work in progress with interesting potential worth watching.

To join the committee and help plan the next activity, check out the Boston SLA wiki Emerging Technologies Committee and Second Life pages.

Submitted by RoseateSpoonbill Loon (aka Hope Tillman)