SECOND LIFE SURVEY

Wanda Bagley/Wendy Biddle

Contents

Introduction to Survey Respondent Demographics Library Second Life Characteristics and

Usage Second Life Challenges Enthusiasm and Perceived Value of

Second Life

Introduction: Survey Background and Objectives

Audience Material Timeframe Objectives

What Type of Library do You Work In?

Almost three quarters of respondents work in either Academic or Public Libraries.

Where Is Your Library Located?

Over half of responses came from the West or South United States. International responses came from the UK (2) and Canada (1).

Does Your Library Have a Presence in Second Life?

Of the 23 respondents, more than half stated their library did not currently have a presence in Second Life.

If Yes, What is the Goal of Your Library's Presence in Second Life?

Only six respondents provided an answer to this question, but most stated that they had multiple goals for their library’s presence in Second Life.

If Your Library Does Not Have a Presence in Second Life, Why Not?

On Average, How Much Time Per Week Do You Spend in Second Life for Your Library?

23 total responses

On Average, How Much Personal, Non-library Time Per Week do You Spend in Second Life?

23 total responses

What Types of Challenges Have You Faced with Second Life?

16 total responses

What Types of Challenges Have You Faced with Second Life?(continued) In addition to the responses given for the multiple choice

question, the following comments were given related to challenges: Griefers, or rude people can sometimes be an issue Building I found a bit challenging time (had to cut back on my

SL time) Access from non-home computer and older hardware Tough to teach to students/users quickly unless they're already

there Knowledge of how to do things... time to learn Application sharing, getting new comers up to speed learning

machinima and graphics incompatibility Employee knowledge, management buy-in. But this is

changing! We are getting more employees signed up and we recently had a successful employee event in SL -- 14 executives presented!

The technical specifications of my work and personal computers being less than ideal

If You Use Second Life for Your Job, Would You Recommend it to Other Librarians?

The vast majority of the twelve respondents would recommend Second Life to other librarians. 12 total responses

If you use Second Life for your job, would you recommend it to other librarians? (continued) Additional responses to this question were as follows:

I use it solely for collaboration, conferences, discussions, etc. It is an alternative to other web conferencing and collaboration tools, and has allowed me to have conversation with librarians that I would not make contact with in face-to-face situations. Extended professional network!

I think that SL can be used as a networking tool for librarians to talk to other librarians (especially if they *live* on Cybrary City or Info Island International or another library hub), but it isn't really a good use of library resources. There is very little service (if any) being provided to our home users, and the questions that we do get tend to be those that a good SL FAQ could answer (how do I fly, where do I get money, how do I change my appearance, etc.)

Worth exploring the potential of this new platform for communication/info sharing! yes for those who are interested in exploring new tech.

I think SL (or more likely its successors) will be part of the information scene within a few years.

If you use Second Life for your job, would you recommend it to other librarians? (continued) Additional responses to this question were as

follows: Example of capabilities of virtual reality, to help jump

start discussions of what is possible in the future, to help fellow librarians who do not have 'gaming' skills or experiences to gain some

I think it's a precursor to future online services. The 3D virtual worlds are taking off and we as

information professionals need to be right there to meet our users, offer our services and help the world evolve from an information perspective.

School library can not access SL. I would recommend to other libraries as I am involved with the SL library project.

Provides a whole new way of reaching people especially if you have employees who work remotely or a dispersed workforce.

If you use Second Life for your job, would you recommend it to other librarians? (continued)

Additional responses to this question were as follows: It's a chance to experiment with a new

interface, become comfortable with a 3-d environment, and network with a huge variety of librarians from around the world.

Networking and professional development I'm employed in SL working on a grant funded

by NLM, so I definitely use it for my job. SL offers us opportunities to consider new ways to conceptualize library spaces and services.

What value do you expect Second Life to add to your library?

Responses varied for this question, but most respondents saw potential future value of Second Life through the following benefits: Distance learning, multicultural and global

reach Unique 3D and dynamic environment Networking Promotion/marketing Experimentation Collaboration Nontraditional, innovative Continuing education Appeal to K-12 age group Virtual reference