ASLIB Midlands - Using Second Life

ASLIB Midlands

Using Second Life

WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2008 2.00 PM TO 4.30 PM

BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL LIBRARY

This half day event aims to help library and information professionals understand the uses of Second Life (SL), and to develop SL skills. In the first session Vicki Cormie, Lyn Parker and Sheila Webber will talk about their experiences of using SL for teaching, libraries and Continuing Professional Development. They will highlight some applications in different sectors, but with a particular focus on Higher Education. In the second part of the seminar delegates will have hands-on sessions in SL, with a choice of two options. SL beginners will get the chance to learn basic skills in a friendly environment, and those with more experience will discuss and explore some of the opportunities for information professionals.

Vicki Cormie is an Academic Liaison Librarian at the University of St Andrews. Her interest in Second Life began 2006 on a purely social basis when she found it was a great place to meet up virtually with real life friends. However she discovered the huge educational potential that it has and is now doing virtual teaching for a second year. In 2008 she was one of the founders of Minerva, the first island belonging to the University of St Andrews where she is currently developing an exhibition space to show off some of the treasures of the University Library's Special Collections.
Lyn Parker is the Quality and Development Team Manager at the University of Sheffield Library. Maggie Kohime (Lyn’s atavar in Second Life) was created in May 2007. Maggie is involved with supporting students in Second Life and participating in virtual seminars within the Centre for Information Literacy Research. She has written various articles and presentations on her experiences.

Sheila Webber is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, and Director of the Centre for Information Literacy Research. Her current focus for research and teaching is information literacy, and she is an internationally invited speaker in this field. Sheila is also active in exploring Web 2.0 applications and has been teaching in Second Life (first year undergraduates and postgraduates) since October 2007, under her SL name Sheila Yoshikawa. She is owner of the Second Life island Infolit iSchool and a member of the Educators’ Coop.

Cost: £35 Aslib members ; £45 non-members.

We have 8 free places for Aslib members willing to serve on the Branch committee for 1 year. See our website www.aslibmidlands.org.uk for details.







If you would like to attend the meeting please complete and return the slip below by Wednesday 19 November to Margaret Brittin, 27 Hansell Drive, Dorridge, Solihull, West Midlands B93 8RQ (margaret@brittin.fslife.co.uk)


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NB. The full fee for cancellations will be charged if we are not notified by 19th November