jenniferbrola.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ EVENT: LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY WORKING GROUP LAUNCHES ON FRIDAY DEC 5th @ 12pm ET ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ …………………………………………………………………. Visit http://ImmersiveEducation.org/events/ on the day of this event for meeting materials (such as images and videos) and additional details …………………………………………………………………. WHAT: Library Technology Working Group (LIB.TWG) [LAUNCH EVENT] WHEN: Friday December 05, 2008 from 12-1pm ET (9-10am Pacific / SL time) WHERE: Second Life http://slurl.com/secondlife/Smithers%20Bluff/35/205/89 OVERVIEW: The Library Technology Working Group (LIB.TWG) is responsible for defining, implementing, evolving and maintaining applications and open standards related to the provision of library services associated with Immersive Education. In the age of Immersive Education libraries are challenged to provide resources and personalized research and learning services that transcend physical space. Scholarly communication that once depended on printed books and journals is now network disseminated and enriched with the spectrum of multimedia—moving and still photo/video images, sound, animation, immersive 3D and virtual reality, simulation, executable code, large data sets—as well as interactive communication among reviewers and readers. Pedagogy that was predominantly an independent and competitive process for students outside class now makes greater use of collaboration, cooperation, and group study. In addition to a changed learning and research environment, librarians face continually changing sources for the digital literature and other assets they acquire and make available, and continually changing tools for scholars to locate and use these resources. Management of the library enterprise is characterized by more complex and intense communication among librarians, and the delivery of library services is distinguished by the need for direct, personalized advice on what is available and instruction on how to use it. Although library practice has been deeply technological for thirty years or more, and a cornerstone of research and course delivery, it is now constrained by the traditions of physical services in real buildings. Similarly, working relations among library staff and with consortial partners depend on traditional modes of email, telephone and process control systems. Certainly, ample opportunity exists to enable vastly greater efficiencies in communication through the use of virtual reality meetings and consultations. The Library Technology Working Group is chartered to project library services beyond the limits of the brick and mortar physical plant through the application of interactive 3D graphics and animation, open video game and simulation technology, virtual reality, voice over IP, web cams and other rich digital media. These technologies can be leveraged today toward the creation of virtual collaborative study spaces, virtual information literacy programs, virtual research and course consultations, virtual interlibrary document management, and virtual service delivery to name just a few possibilities. …………………………………………………………………. Visit http://ImmersiveEducation.org/events/ on the day of this event for meeting materials (such as images and videos) and additional details …………………………………………………………………. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ EVENT: LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY WORKING GROUP LAUNCHES ON FRIDAY DEC 5th @ 12pm ET ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Announcement: Certificate Program in Virtual Worlds The University of Washington’s Information School, in partnership with University of Washington Educational Outreach, is excited to announce the start of a new certificate program in Virtual Worlds. The program is a series of three consecutive courses, each 10 weeks and 3 credits, the first of which begins on January 8th, 2009. The program continues through the Summer quarter, completing August 27th, 2009. Enrollment is open to graduate students, undergraduates, and working professionals. The classes will all meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 6-9pm SLT (PT). Students will participate synchronously in virtual environments. The first class session meets in Second Life; students will also have the opportunity to explore different Virtual Worlds platforms in use in educational and business domains. Classes will include a combination of experiences including lecture, guest speakers, “field trips”, and hands-on interactive activities. Each course includes a unique focus on different facets of the implementation and use of virtual environments, and each successive course builds on the concepts of the previous. The program objectives include both practical application of virtual worlds and an increased academic insight. Non-matriculated students who successfully complete the three consecutive courses will receive a UWEO Certificate in Virtual Worlds. For additional information or to register: http://extension.washington.edu/ext/certificates/vir/vir_gen.asp Or contact: Kristi Palmer Program Manager, Academic Programs University of Washington Educational Outreach 206.221.0299 kpalmer@EXTN.washington.edu Program information: The courses in this program will combine enrollments of working professionals seeking to apply Virtual Worlds inline with professional development, and matriculated graduate and undergraduate students from the University of Washington’s Information School. Program information may be found: http://extension.washington.edu/ext/certificates/vir/vir_gen.asp Admission requirements: Participation in the program is restricted to students who have a) completed at least one year of college- or university-level study, b) attained computer literacy and are able to download and install software from a website, c) experience in the use of basic internet applications (e.g., e-mail, web browsers and search) and computer operating systems (e.g., Windows, Mac OS, and Linux), and d) a valid e-mail account for the duration of the program. English Proficiency: Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency. Recommended Second Life skills: In order to gain the most value from your initial experiences in the virtual classroom, we recommend that you establish a Second Life account, create an avatar, and become familiar with some basic skills in Second Life, including: * Ability to comfortably walk, sit, turn, fly, and teleport * Ability to control the SL camera view * Ability to change your avatar’s appearance and dress * Ability to use Second Life communication tools including IM, text chat, and voice chat System requirements: For general guidelines on system requirements, see http://secondlife.com/corporate/sysreqs.php This program will rely on in-world voice chat; a headset with microphone is required for voice/audio participation. Course information: Selecting and Using Virtual Worlds Winter Quarter Schedule: (10 sessions) Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. SLT, Jan. 8-March 12, 2009, $789. 3 credits. Reg # 97795 Instructor: Randy Hinrichs Description: Apply and combine concepts, processes, issues and skills from information management techniques, technology design and digital culture formation to virtual worlds. Requires understanding of 3D systems concepts, Web markup languages, and end-user programming tools. Students analyze three virtual world platforms, examining design methods and user-centric design for human-information interaction. This is an integrative course that provides problem-solving opportunities and hands-on development for information students, requiring utilization of knowledge gained from previous information technology studies. ________________________________________ Designing and Building Virtual Worlds Spring Quarter Schedule: (10 sessions) Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. SLT, April 2-June 4, 2009, $789. 3 credits. Reg #97796 Instructor: Janice Cowsert Description: Examine and apply concepts, strategies, and skills related to the life cycle of virtual world planning, design, and product development. Focus on concepts of usability, architectural design, knowledge management and urban community factors. This course involves conceptual frameworks in design, graphic relevance, and social networking practices that ensure the scalability, reliability, and availability of 3D immersive environments. Emphasis us given to Internet-based services for storing and accessing information to be used in integrated virtual world development. This is an integrative course that builds on problem-solving techniques learned in the Winter course and examines comprehensive factors for designing and building immersive information platforms, requiring utilization of knowledge gained from previous information technology studies and organizational experience. ________________________________________ Virtual Worlds Interactivity and Metrics Summer Quarter Schedule: (10 sessions) Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. SLT, June 25-August 27, 2009, $789. 3 credits. Reg. #97797 Instructor: Randy Hinrichs Description: Examine methods for interactivity and use evaluation techniques involving human factors, cognition, gaming strategies, performance tracking and feedback systems that ensure the ’stickiness’ and defined value in virtual worlds. Ensure strategies and tool selection process for interactivity factors and evaluation methods. Focus on database management techniques and programming for storage, retrieval, network balance and transactional interchange. This is an integrative course that builds on design and delivery techniques learned in the Spring course and examines comprehensive factors for creating interactivity and metrics in immersive information platforms, requiring utilization of knowledge gained from previous information technology studies and organizational experience.

For Immediate Release Contact Information John S Howard, Conference Host Dec. 9, 2008 309.938-4644 JPHoward7@gmail.com “Stepping into Science” Next in Popular “Stepping into Virtual Worlds” Series Using virtual worlds to teach and promote a love of science is the topic of the next installment of the popular “Stepping into Virtual Worlds” conference series, to be offered January 16th, 2009 in the virtual world of Second Life. Hundreds of people have attended this series, which began with “Stepping into History” in June and has included conferences focusing on literature and on healthcare. The series is sponsored by Alliance Library System and LearningTimes. The day-long conference is open to the public, with more information available at www.steppingintovirtualworlds.org. It will take place entirely in the virtual world of Second Life. “Many believe that the next step for the Internet is going 3-D” notes John Howard, conference director. “These workshops are intended to give people a glimpse into the possibilities available when people can actually “step into” the web, rather than just reading about it.” During this conference, participants will make virtual “field trips” to some of the best and most creative locations in Second Life that are using virtual worlds to promote science. During these field trips, they may be able to speak with those responsible for creating the simulations, and have time to explore them on their own. One field trip for this conference is Genome Island, a simulation where visitors can learn about genetics in various ways including actually entering a giant cell. Another will allow participants to experience a life-size tsunami as it crashes ashore, destroying all the buildings on the beach. Some other features of this conference will include: · A keynote presentation by Troy McConaghy. Troy’s educational background is in physics, applied mathematics, space exploration, and astrodynamics. He’s been involved with science-related projects in Second Life for over three years and was a founding member of the SciLands, Second Life’s science-themed continent. · Breakout sessions presented by scientists using virtual worlds for collaborative work, and teachers using virtual worlds as a teaching tool. · A panel discussion, allowing participants to question and interact with a variety of experts in the use of virtual worlds in the promotion of science. “Second Life is a great communications tool for scientists and science educators,” according to Troy McConaghy, keynote speaker, “because it combines audio, video, 3D models, simulations, and real-time interaction under one immersive interface. It’s changing the way science is advanced and taught. This conference will give you a glimpse at the cutting edge of this new technology.” Those participating in the conference will also be invited to be part of a live audience for “Science Friday,” the popular NPR radio show that is hosted in Second Life and broadcast live to radio stations across the United States. The participants at a virtual world conference participate from their own computer, while an ‘avatar,’ or virtual representative of them, navigates through the 3-D environments and interacts with other avatars. Howard points out, however, that there is nothing virtual about the interactions at these conferences. “Behind every avatar is a person” he says. “And the networking and learning that can happen, with people from all over the world, is very real.” Alliance Library System, co-sponsor of the “Stepping Into” series, is a multi-type library system headquartered in East Peoria, Illinois. Alliance has been a leader in developing ways for libraries to expand their missions and serve patrons in virtual worlds. Alliance is on the web at www.alliancelibrarysystem.com. LearningTimes, is the leading producer of online communities and online conferences for education and training. Their clients and partners include educational and cultural institutions, non-profit organizations, associations and membership groups. LearningTimes provides the training, platforms, applications and expertise these organizations need to make their conferences a success. More information about LearningTimes can be found at www.learningtimes.net. The cost for this day-long conference is $65, and participants may register for the conference at www.steppingintovirtualworlds.org.

Smart Christmas Shopping on Investing InfoIsland Having a hard time with your shopping this gift giving season? Stop over to Investing Infoisland and check out our new exhibit on Smart Christmas Shopping. It’s full of tips and ideas for a brighter holiday, including how to plan for next year. For more info, contact Daisyblue Hefferma. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Investing%20InfoIsland/193/70/22 “Christmas on the Prairie: Readings from Pioneer Journals and Memoirs” Tuesday, Dec. 16, 9 p.m. SLT Olathe Public Library on Talis Cybrary Island Please join us for a cozy evening of revisiting the past. We will sit around a campfire, sip hot beverages and listen to the words of American prairie pioneers as they describe the hardships and joys of the holiday season on the harsh and isolated Great Plains of the 1800s and early 1900s. For more information contact Leeorie Alter. Program will be in voice. Spanish Holiday Celebrations Spanish Holiday Traditions Exhibit at Mi Pueblo Cantina, Info Island International, Dec. 1 through Jan. 6, 2008 (exhibits by Marimar Berchot). Celebrate the Holidays Spanish Style with the Music of Joaquin Gustav, at Mi Pueblo Cantina, Info Island International, Dec. 14, 2008, 4 p.m. slt. (sponsored by Marimar Berchot and Abbey Zenith) Spain: Culture, Music, and Sports at the Spanish Center, Info Island International, Dec. 7 through Jan. 7, 2008 (design and exhibits by Marimar Berchot and PI Illios, content supplied and written by pacodemelk Allen) Couples Dance - Formal Holiday Dress December 10th 5:00 PM SLT - 6:30 PM SLT Jazz Cat - Infotainment Island In addtion to our regular 5-6:30 PM SLT Monday Night Blue’s session and Friday Night Smooth Jazz dance, this week we will be adding a couple’s event on Wednesday, December 10th. This will be a formal dress event with a prize of 1000 Lindens to the couple in the best holiday finery. The Jazz Cat is one of the most romantic spots for dancing on SL, built on a lake - now frozen over for the season and skating! The Jazz Cat offers a beautiful dance floor and smaller dance spots around the lake for couples to use. Teleports can transport couples to spots in the clouds or high up under the stars for dancing too! Christmas Ball at Land of Lincoln White House Land of Lincoln will hold a Christmas Ball at the White House on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 5-7pm slt. Period music will be provided by Gabrielle Riel. In conjunction with the Ball, we are holding a Victorian Christmas Tree decorating contest. All are welcome to decorate a tree as for the 1860s. A tree to use as a base will be available on the Land of Lincoln Welcom Center, and offered as an attachment in group notices. To be eligible for the contest, full perms trees must be dropped on Daisyblue Hefferman no later than Saturday, Dec. 13, at 9am slt. Ball guests will vote during the evening. Cloudy Rainbow Book Talk in Reader’s Garden On Tuesday, December 16th at 6 pm SLT, join us for an interview/book talk with our very own Dulcie Mills (Debbie De Louise in real life) in the Reader’s Garden, Cybrary City 1, in celebration of her romance novel, Cloudy Rainbow. Presentation will be in text and here is what Dulcie is planning: “…talk about my experience publishing the book and touch on some of the themes in the book so that people would not necessarily have had to read the book.” “Cloudy Rainbow” is available as a downloadable eBook and/or trade paper from www.booklocker.com and is available as a trade paper through Amazon.com Alexandrian Free Library: Caledon, Winterfell, Steelhead, New Toulouse, New Babbage & Amatsu Shima Library Events for December 9-17 The Alexandr1an Free Library welcomes it’s newest member: The Amatsu Library Amatsu Shima http://slurl.com/secondlife/Amatsu%20Shima/175/221/22 The Amatsu Library is a small community library serving Amatsu, Shima, Okiya, and all interested residents of Second Life. Amatsu Shima (Heavenly Island) is a Japanese themed island sim. The Okiya is a school for geisha. The students study Japanese history as well as the various arts and culture associated with geisha in the Edo Period (1603 to 1868), and their expression in Second Life. The Library’s collections focus on these and related subjects. All materials are in English. Pomona Writer, Geisha Mishiori for Amatsu Shima Okiya, invites you to contact her if you wish a personal tour or have any questions. Suggestions are cordially welcomed. New Exhibit at the Winterfell Library Dec 1-31 Sir Gawain and The Green Night, an Arthurian Christmas Winterfell Palace Library, Winterfell Taure En Lor http://slurl.com/secondlife/winterfell/130/190/25 Curated by JJ Drinkwater and Serra Anansi This exhibit explores the Medieval alliterative poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, a story which starts with Christmas at Camelot, and ends with Christmas in the wild land of Logres. Several translations of them poem are available for visitors to compare, as are a few of the myriad perspectives, from across the centuries on King Arthur and his court. New Exhibit at the Caledon Library “The Past Reimagined: Victorian Fashion and the Designs of Eladrienne Laval” Whitehorn Library, Caledon Victoria City http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/52/203/23 Through February 2008 Eladrienne Laval’s real life background as an artist and a student of History guides her SL design work, and her experience with the fabric arts informs both eye and her design choices. This exhibit explores Miss Laval’s creations from source image though design and construction, and places them in the context of her inspirations from Victorian art and Fashion. A section of the exhibit looks at one of Miss Laval’s favorite designers, Charles Frederick Worth, the father of haute couture. Caledon Library curator Siri Woodget has collaborated with Miss Laval to supplement the exhibit with materials on one of Worth’s famous patrons, Isabella Stewart Gardner.Indeed, the exhibit features the unveiling of a new item of SL couture! Especially for this exhibit, Miss Laval has created an in-world re-imagined version of one of Mrs. Gardner’s favorite dresses by Worth. The Caledon Library would like to extend its thanks to the Isabella Stewart Gardenr Museum of Boston, Massachusetts, for its kind permission to use materials relating to the life of Mrs. Gardner Steelhead Public Library - Alice in Wonderland series Thursday Dec 11th 4-5pm slt Steelhead Hotel Ballroom http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead/75/156/26 Mr. Shalmendo Glineux brings Alice In Wonderland to life at the Steelhead Grand Hotel. Mr. Glineux will take us down the rabbit hole and help us solve the mystery of who actually stole the tarts. AND, you don’t even have to be at the hotel or logged into SL! You can listen to Shalmendo on the Gargoyle Wireless station! http://slan13.ipr365.com:10212 Weekly radio play broadcast from Radio Riel Thursday Dec 11th 7- 8pm http://slurl.com/secondlife/Winterfell%20Absinthe/78/128/22 Or tune in at http://music.radioriel.org Join Caledon Library collaborator Radio Riel for another thrilling hour of Radio Drama, Sir Edward Pearse, Lord Primbroke, presiding. Winterfell Library Book Discussion Nation, by Terry Prachett Sunday December 14 12– 1pm SLT Winterfell Palace Library, Winterfell Taure En Lor http://slurl.com/secondlife/winterfell/130/190/25 Come join us at the Winterfell Library to discuss this interesting new book! From the author widely known for his Discworld series, Nation is something new and stands alone in its own universe. This is a non-Discworld novel that Terry said he felt he had to write over the last few years. Such a departure from the expected continuation of the Discworld related “Tiffany Aching” series has already caused some serious deliberation and discussion about the book without even looking at its content. Opinions seem very polarized, and those familiar with Pratchett’s works will have a lot to say about how it differs from the usual. However the book, while written in a Pratchett style is something apart, and has a timeless depth to it. Those who have never read a Pratchett book before will really enjoy this one, and need no introduction to any of his other work beforehand, and we look forward to their adding some great insights into his writing from a fresh perspective. The book starts out in the Pelagic Ocean Islands and follows the course of a young Islander boy, a young English lady of noble birth, and their attempt to cope with the devastating effects of the tidal wave that brings them together. As survivors come together on the island, a great many questions arise, and not just about where the next meal is coming from. Many of the people wonder why the gods allowed this to happen, and there is a real depth to the questions that Pratchett’s characters ask in this book as they seek to rebuild a Nation. Caledon Library Book of the Month Discussion & Listening Party A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas Sunday December 14 1– 3pm SLT HG Wells Memorial Library, Caledon Wellsian http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Wellsian/225/236/23 Take the Caledon Train, or use the handy Teleport from the Wellsian Hub Or tune in at http://music.radioriel.org “One Christmas was so much like another, in those years around the sea-town corner now and out of all sound except the distant speaking of the voices I sometimes hear a moment before sleep, that I can never remember whether it snowed for six days and six nights when I was twelve or whether it snowed for twelve days and twelve nights when I was six….” We’ll listen to, and discuss, a recording of this much-loved tale, read by Dylan Thomas himself. If time permits, we will also listen to a recording by the Nashville Symphony of John Corigliano’s “A Dylan Thomas Trilogy” Howl! Sunday, December 14 2 - 3 pm Aether Salon Babbage Palisades Sponsored by the R.F. Burton Library http://slurl.com/secondlife/Babbage%20Palisade/97/59/105 Despite the fact that we are still finding pieces of the east wall in various parts of Babbage Palisades (thank you Mr. Streeter) following the rather explosive end to the Weapons! Salon…. we are pleased to announce that The Aether Salon of Babbage will welcome the esteemed Dr. Augustus Dayafter for a discussion presenting the results of his medical investigation into the phenom of the Lycanthrope. Dr. Dayafter has informed us that he is uniquely qualified in this field, following a period of long study and careful observation. Hair-raising craft to follow. Participants should experience no discomfort, although hysteria may be a possibility for those susceptible few. Dr. Dayafter assures us that great care will be taken to elaborate, in academic terms, the physiological and cultural aspects of this rather dangerous species. It would be somewhat lax of us to not inform you that, despite having a lunar calendar in hand during the planning of the salon, we seem to have missed the fact that a full moon does indeed begin just prior to the 14. Never worry though. Onward! Story Session at the Falling Anvil - Tales of Gifts and Giving Mon Dec 15 5-8pm The Falling Anvil Public House , Caledon Tamrannoch http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Tamrannoch/230/108/22 Sponsored by the Caledon Library and the Clan of Seafarers and Storytellers This is the season of giving…but what is a gift? What does giving mean? Is it Herr Drosselmeyer’s magical toys, or a kind word from a stranger? Both, you say? Great gifts are guiles and look for gifts again, you say? That is indubitably the stuff of Story! We welcome stories of gifts great and small, simple and elaborate, intentional and accidental. All storytellers, bards, griots, and nimble-brained liars are welcome to join us, as are those who merely wish to hear a tale or two! Coming Next Week: Steelehead Public Library’s Steelhead Holiday Story Festival Sunday, December 21 through Wednesday Dec 24, 2008 Times and exact event locations to be announced Third in our popular Story Festival series, this one will focus on Christmas and the other winter holidays. We invite storytellers and readers from all over SecondLife to share their favorite winter holiday tales with us. If you are interested in performing or reading, please send a notecard inworld to Riven Homewood.

LIS Educators and those interested in LIS education in virtual worlds: The Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois and the Alliance Library System invite you to join us in forming an LIS Educators in Second Life group. We propose meeting on Wednesday, December 10 at 3:00 pm SL time or 5:00 pm central time. The first meeting will be held using the OPAL (Online Programming for all Libraries) auditorium to facilitate participation by those not in SL. Subsequent meetings will be held in SL. For those already in SL as an LIS educator, we invite you to share your experiences. For those who aren’t in SL, but perhaps would like to be there in the future, we welcome your questions. We invite our colleagues from other countries to join if the time is convenient. Please bring your ideas on the pedagogical value/concerns/challenges of SL (and other virtual worlds) in LIS education. An RSVP to me isn’t necessary but would be appreciated. If you have an avatar, please let us know that also. Here’s the link to the OPAL Auditorium: http://www.conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs1641902f62b4 Info and tips for first-time users of OPAL can be found at: http://www.opal-online.org/firsttimetips.htm Marianne Marianne Steadley Continuing Professional Development Program Director 501 E. Daniel St. Champaign IL 61820 217/244-2751 Fax: 217/244-3302

There is an article on web 2.0 tools, social networking and investment information. Second Life and our project on Investing InfoIsland are highlighted. the story: http://www.investors.com/editorial/IBDArticles.asp?artsec=43&issue=20081114 The section it ran in – note the art…(and picture of Maxito Ricardo) http://www.investors.com/editorial/InvestmentTools.asp

The first college fair on InfoIsland today was a great event! Thanks to Alice Burgess, Abbey Zenith, speakers (Stone Semyorka, Robby Kowalski, Sage Duncan, Vic Michalak, and Pathfinder Linden), colleges, attendees, and especially for the use of Info Island that made this all a great success. There was a lot of great networking and I learned some great tips on selling the idea of using Second Life to administrators including that we’re actually saving them money!! (thanks Sage!) Presentations also included information on taking the leap of signing up for a course being taught in SL and what the benefits are (interaction, meeting people from all over the world, trying a different medium for collaboration and presentation, etc.). Pathfinder graciously attended and spoke about several initiatives Linden Lab is doing to help support educators. -features such as ‘admin accounts’ -more reliable regAPI -’behind the firewall’ solutions from M Linden’s talk at a previous conference Thank you Pathfinder, Claudia, and other Lindens! Presentation here: pathfinder-presentation. Watch this site for further posts on the fair including machinima! Check out Flickr with the tag “infoislandcollegefair2008″ for photos.

From Victoria Peterson We are proud to announce the formation of a new Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) Interest Group, the Second Life Interest Group (SLIG). SLIG was formed by unanimous vote at the November CAL Board meeting. The purpose of the group is to: Explore new ways of doing digital outreach, networking and public relations in order to promote Colorado and its libraries (including but not limited to academic, public, special, and school) on the virtual world of Second Life Build a Colorado Association of Libraries presence on Second Life through a new virtual library that will represent the combined efforts of the aforementioned Colorado libraries and their library staff. This new library, “the Sustainable Living Library” on the sim Emerald City, will represent best practices for living an ecologically conscious life. Through virtual workshops, conferences, and links to “green websites”, the community of Second Life as well as real life patrons will learn more about their environment and how to save it. The “Sustainable Living Library” will make available to the community of Second Life the online public access catalogs of Colorado libraries associated with this new library and any programs or activities that promote Colorado, its libraries, or CAL. The Mission Statement of the Sustainable Living Library: The Sustainable Living Library of Second Life is committed to creating better and healthier lives for ourselves and our children through sustainable living practices. By developing workshops, exhibits and other resources, we strive to educate our visitors about green practices and other ways to sustain healthy lives and a healthy planet. SLIG will be meeting soon in the virtual world of Second Life. Interest group members and all others are encouraged to attend this virtual meeting. In the meantime, if you’d like help opening a Second Life account and/or have any other related questions, please contact: Victoria A. Petersen: petersen.victoria@gmail.com Eileen Dumas: edumas8@gmail.com Already In-World? Visit Emerald City and see its current development! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Emerald%20City/123/62/26 Further Reading: Sustainable Living Library blog: http://sustainablelivinglibrary.blogspot.com/ Recent Press: “Libraries go green @ Emerald City”, article in the national print and online magazine, RezLibris http://www.rezlibris.com/librarianship “Mancos PL Builds Green”, ALA Tech Source Blog Interview http://tinyurl.com/ALAinterview We are looking forward to seeing many of you in-world, and to work together in the creation of CAL’s Sustainable Living Library! Cheers, Plautia Corvale Victoria A. Petersen Technology Manager Mancos Public Library 970.533.7569 skype: plautia.corvale PO Box 158, Mancos, CO 81328 http://mancos.lib.co.us/ http://librarybuildingproject.blogspot.com/ http://sustainablelivinglibrary.blogspot.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Clark Abismo DATE: November 7, 2008 EMAIL: rezlibris@gmail.com RezLibris launches first SL library Magazine The staff of RezLibris Magazine is proud to announce the launch of the first publication devoted to librarians and information professionals in Second Life. Featuring articles and columns written by and about librarians and those in related fields, RezLibris aims to provide news, entertainment, and events coverage of the library community and Information Archipelago. Monthly issues will be available for viewing at http://www.rezlibris.com and quarterly in-world print editions will be distributed commencing in March, 2008. Starting with its November 2008 online issue, updated articles will be posted the first Sunday of each month. Many interactive features will be included in the website edition including machinima and slide shows. Regular columns will consist of articles on the various types of libraries: public, academic, special, and world libraries; up-to-date news happenings for Info Island; coverage of library institutions and organizations such as ALA, SLA, and Alliance Library Systems; an Arts and Entertainment section with reviews of art exhibits, museums, film/theater, music, fashion, and books; an immersion section featuring role-playing sims and genre-specific libraries, i.e. Mystery Manor and Sci Fi Portal; real life stories and profiles; a teen section; and an Ask the Librarian column. Submissions and suggestions are always welcome. RezLibris is currently supported solely by volunteer work and donations. For information on advertising in the online or print editions, contact Sifriya Devin, Ad Manager, by IM or at sifriya.devin@gmail.com. RezLibris Magazine http://www.rezlibris.com SLurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cybrary%20City/146/152/24/?title=RezLibris%20Magazine Email: rezlibris@gmail.com Join our SL group: RezLibris Readers Clark Abismo, Publisher Dulcie Mills, Associate Publisher

College Fair at Alliance Virtual Library! Representatives from colleges and universities will gather on Info Island, Sunday November 16th between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM SLT to speak with Second Life residents about attending college. Explore colleges and universities you may not have a chance to visit by taking this opportunity to talk to a wide range of postsecondary institutions to discuss course offerings, admission and financial aid requirements, college life and other information that will aid in the college selection process. Scheduled Speakers for the event are listed at the following URL: http://infoisland.org/college-fair-participants/ Please join us Sunday, November 16, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM SLT Alliance Virtual Library http://slurl.com/secondlife/Info%20Island/128/128/2

Book Discussion On Only Yesterday The book discussion series on Only Yesterday turns to Zora Neale Hurston’s classic novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God” on Tuesday evening, November 11, at 6:00 p.m. SLT. The story, set in the American deep South in the 1930s, tells the story of a young African American woman in search of love and her place in life. Librarian TAMU Oh leads the discussion in the Reading Room (second floor of the island’s bookstore), on the plaza at Only Yesterday. As always, please come and participate, even if you have not yet had a chance to read the novel ….. and bring a friend! West of Ireland Library Please join us in the West of Ireland Library for these great events! Sunday 9 November @ 11am - Stories saluting veterans with Aoife Lorefield. Monday 10 November @ 7pm - Peter Pan with Caledonia Skytower. Tuesday 11 November @ 7pm - The Maidens of the Grael with Derry McMahon. Wednesday 12 November @ 7pm - Poems of Seamus Heaney with Aoife Lorefield. Thursday 13 November @ 6.30 - The Secret of Roan Inish with Shandon Loring. Friday 14 November @ 5pm - A salute to veterans (and please stay for the USO show!) Saturday 15 November @ 1pm - Washington Irving stories with Elder Priestman & Derry McMahon. Sunday 16 November @ Noon - Myths and Legends with the WOI Storytellers. Monday 17 November @ 7pm - Peter Pan with Caledonia Skytower. Please IM Derry McMahon for more info or with any questions! http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20of%20Ireland/51/152/26 Investing InfoIsland Next Wed. Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. SLT we will begin a series of brief introductions to the seven stations of investing information contained on Investing InfoIsland. Next Wed. we’ll begin with Station 1, which provides information on planning to invest. Here’s the entire schedule for the series. Hypatia Dejavu or Maxito Ricardo will facilitate each session, which will be brief (approx. 30 mins., with plenty of time for Q&A and discussion. Always on Wednesdays, always at 7 pm SLT, always on Investing InfoIsland. Station 1: Planning to Invest: Nov. 12 Station 2: Selecting Investments: Nov. 19 Station 3: Social Security: Dec. 3 Station 4: Investment Strategy: Dec. 10 Station 5: Frauds and Scams: Dec. 17 Station 6: Farther Down the Road (Insurance and Wills): Jan. 7 Station 7: Final Preparations (Estates, Trusts, Funerals, Probate): Jan. 14 Next Thurs. Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. SLT at the central lodge on Investing InfoIsland there will be an informal book discussion of the fascinating book, The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you haven’t read the book! No pop quiz. For more information, contact Maxito Ricardo. Science Fiction and Fantasy Portal on Info Island Portal monthly meetings - November 12th, Wednesday–1 pm and 6:30 pm. We won’t be using the fourth week of either November or December because of various national and religious holidays which occur during those weeks. For more information on Portal activities, please contact Franja Russell. Alexandrian Free Library: Caledon, Winterfell, Steelhead, New Babbage & New Toulouse Library events Nov 11-18 Steelhead Public Library Announces a New Series!Readings by Shalmendo Thursday afternoons at 4-5pm slt Steelhead Hotel Ballroom - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead/75/156/26 The Steelhead Public Library is pleased to sponsor Mr. Shalmendo Glineux as he brings Alice In Wonderland to the Steelhead Grand Hotel in a series of readings on Thursday afternoons at 4 o’clock pm SL time. Starting on November 6, and lasting approximately one hour each week, Mr. Glineux will take us down the rabbit hole and help us solve the mystery of who actually stole the tarts. AND, you don’t even have to be at the hotel or logged into SL! You can listen to Shalmendo on the Gargoyle Wireless station! http://slan13.ipr365.com:10212 —————————————————– Weekly radio play broadcast from Radio RielThursday Nov 13 7 – 8pm Radio Riel HQ, Caledon Penzance http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Penzance/224/100/24 Or tune in at http://music.radioriel.org Join Caledon Library Collaborator Radio Riel for another thrilling hour of…. SPACE 1889 - THE STEPPES OF THOTHIn Syrtis Major’s corridors of power, a threat to the British Empire’s dominion over Mars is close to discovery, and Governor-General Sir Henry Routledge faces ruin if it ever comes to light. In the wilderness of the Thoth Steppes, enemy powers, savage tribesmen and even nature herself bar the way to the wreckage of a lost Ether Flyer, and the secrets it hides. For Captain Roger St. John Ffolkes, it is a mission he cannot refuse; for the adventuress Georgina Golightly, a journey that will risk all - and for Mars, it is the chance to save a world…or ignite a war. —————————————————– New Babbage Aether Salon and the New Babbage Library present: Weapons! , A lecture by Miss Ordinal MalapropSunday, November 16, 2-3 pm SLT New Babbage Aether Salon http://slurl.com/secondlife/Babbage%20Palisade/97/59/105 Given the minimum of destruction wreaked by the first event, we are pleased to announce the second Aether Salon. All are welcome to join us at the Aether Salon in Babbage Palisade (located across the street from Her Dark Materials, & conveniently near the train station) for tea and a spirited discussion of weapons with a dangerous, perilous, stunning craft to follow. We are thrilled to announce that our guest speaker will be Miss Ordinal Malaprop. Known for her fine production methods, exceptional scripts, attention to detail, and ability to keep danger at bay with a variety of weapons and tools, Miss Malaprop will be well armed to address the current state of weaponry in our times. We’ve seen her armory and plan to be most attentive and polite. Please bring your manners, keep your wits about you, and check your own fine examples of might and mayhem at the door. —————————————————– Common Ground, Story Session at the Falling Anvil Public House Monday, November 17th, 5-8 p.m. SLT The Falling Anvil, Caledon Tamrannoch http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Tamrannoch/230/108/22 “Now be thankful for good things….” As fall gives way to winter, and the wild winds tear the leaves from the trees, our thoughts turn to gathering at warm firesides, renewing our ties to friends, family, clan, & tribe. This month’s theme is Common Ground: in the spirit of thanksgiving, we welcome your tales of connection & reconciliation, or different people finding what they share, plus tales of changes, rites of passage, & all the ordinary and extraordinary transitions that make up our lives. Those without a tale to tell are always welcome to come share in the good cheer! Sponsored by the Caledon Library & the Clan of Seafarers and Storytellers, and hosted by master storyteller Aldo Stern

Alliance Library System Announces Changes in Second Life Alliance Library System announces changes in the operation of the Info Island Archipelago in the virtual world of Second Life. “Our goal was to open up the door and shine a light on virtual librarianship,” stated Kitty Pope, Executive Director of the Alliance Library System. “Now it is time for others to take the lead in the library community of Second Life. We have a great group of folks working in Second Life, so I am confident this is an opportunity for virtual librarianship to grow and new leaders to have an opportunity to shape the future.” She continued, “There will be no additional lands or islands purchased unless they are funded by grant s or partnerships. When we started renting to libraries and educators two years ago, there were only a couple of other places for educators to rent and work together. Now there are a lot of choices and options for libraries and educators.” “There are two key groups representing librarians and educators in Second Life which will be working on these changes,” Pope stated, “the Alliance Virtual Library Board and a new group which will lead in the development of project islands, grants, and exploration. These two groups have the vision and ability to move the library community to the next level of growth and development.” 1. The five core library islands of Info Island, Info International, Infotainment, Imagination and Illumination will be merged into 3 islands. This merge will take place January-June 2009 and will be lead by Abbey Zenith and the Alliance Virtual Library Advisory Board. 2. Only Yesterday, Renaissance, Cybrary City 1 and 2, Eduisland 3 and 4 will not be renewed by Alliance in 2009. Only Yesterday renews in June 2009; Renaissance in February 2009, Cybrary City 1 in October 2009, Cybrary City 2, December 2009, Eduisland 3 in June 2009 and Eduisland 4 in June 2009. If your agency is interested in taking over the management and payment for any of these islands, please contact Lori Bell at Alliance. 3. Projects and islands funded by grant dollars will remain including Health Info Island, Karuna, and Investing Info Island, and Land of Lincoln. 4. When the annual renewal for the open space islands owned and maintained by ALS is reached, materials will be moved to other islands, not maintained, or funded with grant dollars. This includes Emerald City – up for renewal in September 2009, Bradburyville, up for renewal in September 2009, and Health Eduisland, up for renewal in September 2009. 5. Open spaces rented to other groups will not be renewed. These have been paid for one year, and renters have been given notice. This includes Machinima Institute up for renewal in June 2009; Cinque Terre, up for renewal in June 2009; Cybrary Square up for renewal in September 2009; Circumference, up for renewal in October 2009; and Museums Isles I-V up for renewal in August 2009. 6. Eduislands 1, 2, 5, and 6 run and managed by Fleet Goldenberg will be maintained for one more year. These agreements will be retained until 2009-2010 depending on when renewals are up. 7. Cleveland Public, UMCG, and Talis Cybary Island will be responsible for renewal when leases expire – Cleveland Public in June 2009, UMCG in June 2009, and Talis Cybrary Island in January 2010. In announcing these changes, Executive Director Pope, further states, “I appreciate these are big changes for the virtual library community but I am confident that the strong partnerships that have developed in the last 2.5 years will continue and thrive in this brave new world.”

Reader’s Garden book discussion and poetry reading Keith Ainsworth, esq. (aka Poet Thriek Wilkinson in SL), leads a discussion & poetry reading in the Reader’s Garden on Info Island http://slurl.com/secondlife/Info%20Island/100/162/33, Thursday, November 6th at 2:45 SLT on the book, Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution — and How It Can Renew America. For more information, please see the Reader’s Garden blog http://readersgardensl.blogspot.com/ or IM Sonja Morgwain.

ALA SLymposium on Libraries in Virtual Worlsd The American Library Association Virtual Communities and Libraries Membership Interest Group are pleased to announce its first ALA SLymposium to be held in the virtual world of Second Life on ALA Island on Saturday November 8. There is no charge for the event. The fall SLymposium will offer a look at what all types of library-related organizations are doing in Second Life. A companion symposium for spring will explore what all types of library-related organizations are doing in other virtual environments. The keynote speaker for the SLymposium is Tom Peters, CEO of TAP Information Services, and author of the recently released “Libraries and Virtual Worlds,” an ALA TechSource publication. Peters is also one of the conveners of the VCL MIG. Other speakers include Sonja Morgan-Plummer, Tina Coleman from ALA, Carrie Pennell from Harvard University, FT Takacs from University of South Carolina, Carol Perryman from University of North Carolina SLIS, Kelly Czarnecki from Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, and Sue Bergren, a graduate student from the University of Illinois. To register for this event, go to http://tinyurl.com/5eypww For more information on the event, please contact Tom Peters at tapinformation@yahoo.com, Lori Bell at lbell927@gmail.com , or Sonja Morgan at sonjamorgwain@yahoo.com International Distance Learning Day in the virtual world of Second Life ®: the French Connection The US Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is sponsoring National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) held on November 10-14, 2008 and seeks to promote and celebrate the tremendous growth and accomplishments currently taking place in distance learning programs offered by schools, business, and governmental departments. In support of this initiative, and highlighting the global reach of virtual environments, several organizations are collaborating to present and celebrate the tremendous potential of the virtual world of Second Life for distance learning. On November 10th, a full-day conference is scheduled that will include presentations from within Second Life and in real life at the University of Paris IV-Sorbonne. Those attending in Second Life should go to Selmo Park: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Selmo%20Park/67/174/26 Presentations will begin November 10 at 12:30 am SLT and run through 8:00 am SLT “We hope that you will join us by logging in to Second Life and teleporting to Selmo Park to attend the presentations virtually,” said Bryan Carter, Conference Coordinator. “The live presentations will be broadcast into Second Life. There is no charge to attend the event at Selmo Park in Second Life.” Those attending in Second Life need to have a Second Life account, audio capability, and the latest version of Quick Time to view events being streamed into Second Life from the real world. To register for a Second Life account, go to the event location online http://slurl.com/secondlife/Selmo%20Park/67/174/26 and go to the signup button. The first presentation will be at 9:30 am Paris time/12:30 am SLT students of the L’Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs de Paris “Eden of the Lost Animal.” Other featured speakers include Bryan Carter, University of Central Missouri; Ed Lamoureaux, Bradley University; Jeremy Kemp, San Jose State University; Claudia L’Amoreaux from Linden Lab; AJ Kelton from Montclair State University; Tim Linder Meramec Art Department; Beth Ritter-Gluth, Literature Alive, and more Collaborating organizations include: University of Central Missouri, the Alliance Virtual Library in Second Life, the Bibliotheque Francophone, and the L’Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs de Paris. For more information about this exciting day, please contact Bryan Carter at bc7@mac.com. Orientations for those new to Second Life will be held inworld at Selmo Park on Sunday November 9. 12 pm noon SLT – Georgette Whitfield will do an orientation in English and French. 1 pm SLT – Daisyblue Hefferman will do an orientation in English. People are welcome to attend either one. Second Life location slurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Selmo%20Park/67/174/26 Monday, November 3rd at 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM SLT Jazz Cat Infotainment Island We’re kicking off a regular series of hosted events at the Jazz Cat on Infotainment Island with Blues Mondays. Please join us to relax and dance away the Monday blues! The Jazz Cat is a beautiful dance club over a lake with private dancing areas along the lake, in the clouds, or up high under the stars! Formal attire required. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Infotainment%20Island/219/120/33 Tuesday, November 4th 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM SLT US Election Night Party! Info Island Join us on Info Island to dance in celebration or to dance away a loss! We will have Radio Riel playing music to keep us partying and bringing the election return news into SL. Drop by and join us! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Info%20Island/122/99/33 Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 6:00 PM SLT Hot Topics Discussion - Hot Topics - Church and faith: Give me that on-line religion? Info Island Join us for another lively discussion with selected panelists about religion in virtual worlds. The audience is encouraged to express opinions and add to the discussion. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Info%20Island/106/106/33 Friday, November 7, 2008 5:00 PM SLT - 6:30 PM SLT Infotainment Island Smooth Jazz at the Jazz Cat The second of our new weekly series of events at the Jazz Cat. Relax after a hard week with friendly people and smooth jazz. The Jazz Cat is a beautiful dance club over a lake with private dancing areas along the lake, in the clouds, or up high under the stars! Formal attire required. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Infotainment%20Island/219/120/33 November 7-9 2008 HUGE GROUP YARD SALE! Please come to Info Island to shop for bargains in clothes, furnishings, and other items! Our volunteers have donated many items from their inventory and we are selling them to benefit the Alliance Virtual Library! There will be a silent auction to auction off some really great special items and several vendors will be selling new merchandise and donating the money to the library. Come by often, we’ll be replacing items as they are sold, so there will be new things to buy each day! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Info%20Island/156/105/33 Alexandrian Free Library: Caledon, Winterfell, Steelhead, New Babbage & New Toulouse Library events Nov 4 - 13 Radio Theatre SPACE 1889 - RED DEVILS Thu, November 6, 7pm – 8pm Radio Riel HQ, Caledon Penzance http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Penzance (Or tune in at http://music.radioriel.org ) “Are we or they Lords of the World? And how are all things made for Man?” Destination Mars! In 1889, the ether ship Perbindesh approaches the red planet, her passengers an assembly of the great and the good. Skerrun, a Martian princeling, returning from a sojourn on Earth; Sir Henry Routledge, the new governor of the British colony. Professor Golightly, a renowned authority on the red planet. But everyone has a secret. The Perbindesh carries a cargo of conspiracy and intrigue. And not all aboard will live to see Mars… The game’s afoot, and it is the greatest game of all! CAST Ivor Danvers as Sir Henry Routledge Simon Williams as Captain St John Ffolkes Ian Brooker as Professor Golightly Jo Castleton as Miss Georgina Golightly Toby Longworth as Sergeant Carstairs Kevin Murphy as Doherty Katarina Olsson as Miss Charlotte Wong Rupert Wickham as Lieutenant Williams Tam Williams as Prince Skerrun Anthony Daniels as Captain Carter Other parts are played by the members of the cast. —————————— ——————————- Weapons! Miss Ordinal Malaprop speaker Sunday, November 9, 2-3 pm slt New Babbage Aether Salon and the New Babbage Library http://slurl.com/secondlife/Babbage%20Palisade/97/59/105 Given the minimum of destruction wreaked by the first event, we are pleased to announce the second Aether Salon. All are welcome to join us at the Aether Salon in Babbage Palisade for tea and a spirited discussion of weapons with a dangerous, perilous, stunning craft to follow. We are thrilled to announce that our guest speaker will be Miss Ordinal Malaprop. Known for her fine production methods, exceptional scripts, attention to detail, and ability to keep danger at bay with a variety of weapons and tools, Miss Malaprop will be well armed to address the current state of weaponry in our times. We’ve seen her armory and plan to be most attentive and polite. Please bring your manners, keep your wits about you, and check your own fine examples of might and mayhem at the door. ————————————————————- Caledon Library Book of the Month Discussion and Listening Party - La Boheme Book: Scenes from the Life of Bohemia by Henri Murger (English translation of Scènes de la vie de bohème) Opera: La Bohème by Puccini Sun, November 9, 1pm – 3pm HG Wells Memorial Library, Caledon Wellsian http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Wellsian/235/239/31 Take the Caledon Train, or use the handy Teleport from the Wellsian Hub Or tune in at http://music.radioriel.org “Who am I? I am a poet. What do I do here? I Write. And how do I live? I live in my contented poverty, as if a grand lord, I squander odes and hymns of love. In my dreams and reveries, I build castles in the air, where in spirit I am a millionaire.” (Act I of the opera, Rudolfo to Mimi on the occasion of their first meeting.) A generation of young people who defied all social, political, and cultural boundaries – they embraced poverty; wore outrageous, colorful clothes; seemingly lived by the motto ‘love the one you’re with’; and generally left their parents scratching their heads and wondering where they went wrong. But this wasn’t the hippie generation of the 1960’s – it was the generation memorialized in Henry Murger’s “Scènes de la Vie de Bohème.” The book was based the world he inhabited, that of the Bohemians of the 1840’s and 1850’s. More than any other, Murger influenced the youth of his generation to adopt the Bohemian lifestyle — freedom, art, and pleasure, unrestricted by the societal conventions of the bourgeoisie. While Murger’s book, a compilation of his newspaper articles, achieved some success and in fact developed something of a cult following, it was Puccini’s “La Bohème” –- an opera loosely based on that book — that cemented Murger’s place in history. The opera, castigated by the critics of the day as too light-hearted and sentimental, has come to be regarded as a masterpiece and is surely Puccini’s best-known work. Come join us at the HG Wells Memorial Library in Caledon Wellsian, to listen to the opera (streamed for us by our friends at Radio Riel) while we discuss both works, and their remarkable conjunction. Copies of the book (in the original and in two English translations) may be had at the library, or found online at: Scènes de la vie de bohème par Henry Murger http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/18446 Bohemians of the Latin Quarter by Henri Murger http://home.swbell.net/worchel/contents.htm Scenes from the Life of Bohemia by Henri Murger http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=OeIOAAAAIAAJ This event is sponsored by the Caledon Library, and produced by Radio Riel Be sure to join us afterwards for a Palm Court Tea at The Bashful Peacock, just across the Way ————————————————————- The Sense of Self in 19th c Literature Series: “Self-Reliance” and “Circles” (1841) - Ralph Waldo Emerson Tuesday, November 11, 6pm – 7pm Caledon Library & Welcome Centre, Caledon Victoria City http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Victoria%20City/160/117/23 As exploration, industrialization and colonization expanded during the nineteenth century, the way the individual viewed his and her role within this world also altered. This literature series will look at how the individual defines himself or herself, how societies react to these changes, and how the evolving sense of self succeeds and fails. The readings will include essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson, poetry by Walt Whitman, and fiction by Robert Louis Stevenson, Oscar Wilde, and Kate Chopin. ————————————————————- Radio Theatre SPACE 1889 - THE STEPPES OF THOTH Thursday, November 13, 7pm – 8pm Radio Riel HQ, Caledon Penzance http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Penzance/224/100/24 (Or tune in at http://music.radioriel.org ) In Syrtis Major’s corridors of power, a threat to the British Empire’s dominion over Mars is close to discovery, and Governor-General Sir Henry Routledge faces ruin if it ever comes to light. In the wilderness of the Thoth Steppes, enemy powers, savage tribesmen and even nature herself bar the way to the wreckage of a lost Ether Flyer, and the secrets it hides.For Captain Roger St. John Ffolkes, it is a mission he cannot refuse; for the adventuress Georgina Golightly, a journey that will risk all - and for Mars, it is the chance to save a world…or ignite a war. CAST: Simon Williams as Captain St John Ffolkes Ivor Danvers as Sir Henry Routledge Ian Brooker as Professor Golightly Jo Castleton as Miss Georgina Golightly Sam Peter Jackson as Hauptmann Werner Lenz Toby Longworth as Sergeant Carstairs Jon Weinberg as Mr Lucas Tyler Tam Williams as Prince Skerrun Other parts are played by the members of the cast.

For Immediate Release October 31, 2008 Contact: Bryan Carter, Conference Coordinator, bc7@mac.com International Distance Learning Day in the virtual world of Second Life®: The French Connection The US Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is sponsoring National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) held on November 10-14, 2008 and seeks to promote and celebrate the tremendous growth and accomplishments currently taking place in distance learning programs offered by schools, business, and governmental departments. In support of this initiative, and highlighting the global reach of virtual environments, several organizations are collaborating to present and celebrate the tremendous potential of the virtual world of Second Life for distance learning. On November 10th, a full-day conference is scheduled that will include presentations from within Second Life and in real life at the University of Paris IV-Sorbonne. Those attending in Second Life should go to Selmo Park: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Selmo%20Park/67/174/26 Presentations will begin November 10 at 12:30 am SLT and run through 8:00 am SLT “We hope that you will join us by logging in to Second Life and teleporting to Selmo Park to attend the presentations virtually,” said Bryan Carter, Conference Coordinator. “The live presentations will be broadcast into Second Life. There is no charge to attend the event at Selmo Park in Second Life.” Those attending in Second Life need to have a Second Life account, audio capability, and the latest version of Quick Time to view events being streamed into Second Life from the real world. To register for a Second Life account, go to the event location online http://slurl.com/secondlife/Selmo%20Park/67/174/26 and go to the signup button. The first presentation will be at 9:30 am Paris time/12:30 am SLT students of the L’Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs de Paris “Eden of the Lost Animal.” Other featured speakers include Bryan Carter, University of Central Missouri; Ed Lamoureaux, Bradley University; Jeremy Kemp, San Jose State University; Claudia L’Amoreaux from Linden Lab; AJ Kelton from Montclair State University; Tim Linder Meramec Art Department; Beth Ritter-Gluth, Literature Alive, and more Collaborating organizations include: University of Central Missouri, the Alliance Virtual Library in Second Life, the Bibliotheque Francophone, and the L’Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs de Paris. For more information about this exciting day, please contact Bryan Carter at bc7@mac.com. Orientations for those new to Second Life will be held inworld at Selmo Park on Sunday November 9. 12 pm noon SLT – Georgette Whitfield will do an orientation in English and French. 1 pm SLT – Daisyblue Hefferman will do an orientation in English. People are welcome to attend either one. Second Life location slurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Selmo%20Park/67/174/26

This week’s Salon Huron on Thursday October 30 at 3:30 pm sl on ALA Island will be lead by Sonja Morgwain. The discussion topic is National Gaming Day - share ideas, what your library is doing, etc. The discussion will last approximately one hour and everyone is invited. Join Sonja on ALA Island. If you have other ideas/topics for discussion, please let me know. These will take place each Thursday as part of the ALA Virtual Communities and Libraries Member Interest group.

STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE FOLLOWING SECOND LIFE COURSES! Last ones offered this semester. Please share this announcement with your colleagues. The Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois, and the Illinois Alliance Library System are pleased to offer the following continuing education courses in Second Life. These courses are open to anyone interested in learning more about virtual worlds and establishing a presence in Second Life. COURSE TITLE: Working with a Class in Second Life Join Dr. Bryan Carter (Bryan Mnemonic) in this course created to help librarians. museum professionals, and educators learn how to work with a class in Second Life including hardware and software requirements, orientation, faculty and student mindset change, establishing course objectives, finding and creating content, creating meaningful projects, evaluating student work, action learning, grants, managing a sim-island, and collaborative opportunities. Week One: Setting up a class in Second Life Week Two: The Pedagogy of Second Life Week Three: Student Projects Week Four: Managing a Project/Sim Audience: Open to librarians and educators interested in using Second Life for educational purposes. Students must feel comfortable navigating in Second Life. This is not a basic Second Life course. Dates and times: Wednesdays, October 29, November 5, 12, 19 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM SL (US Pacific) time Location: Second Life Cost: $150 For additional information and to register: http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/VW/class.html COURSE TITLE: Setting up an Educational Presence in Second Life Are you looking to set up an educational presence in Second Life but don’t know where to start? Join us to learn about planning, needs assessment, goals, expectations, buying or renting land, where to find help, prefab versus building, challenges, positives, teaching tools in Second Life such as Power point, class management, groups permissions, communication, and evaluating your presence once you have it set up. We will take field trips so students can see and discuss some of the educational presences in Second Life. Week One: Planning a presence in Second Life Week Two: Setting up a presence in Second Life Week Three: Managing a presence in Second Life Week Four: Evaluating a presence in Second Life Instructors: Lori Bell (Lorelei Junot), Rhonda Trueman (Abbey Zenith) and Tom Peters (Maxito Ricardo). Audience: Open to anyone interested in using Second Life for educational purposes. Students should have experience navigating in Second Life. Dates and times: Sundays, November 2, 9, 16, 23 from 5:00-7:00 PM SL (US Pacific) time Location: Second Life Cost: $150 For additional information and to register: http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/VW/edpres.html

Working with a Class in Second Life Join Dr. Bryan Carter (Bryan Mnemonic) in this course created to help librarians, museum professionals, and educators learn how to work with a class in Second Life including hardware and software requirements, orientation, faculty and student mindset change, establishing course objectives, finding and creating content, creating meaningful projects, evaluating student work, action learning, grants, managing a sim-island, and collaborative opportunities. Wednesdays, October 29, November 5, 12, 19 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM SL (US Pacific) time For additional information and to register: http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/VW/class.html Marianne Steadley Continuing Professional Development Program Director 501 E. Daniel St. Champaign IL 61820 217/244-2751 Fax: 217/244-3302

Night of the Living Dead Film Discussion October 26 at 12 noon SLT The Sci-Fi & Fantasy Portal will hold October’s film discussion on Sunday, October 26 at 12 noon. Host is Grizzy Grizwold. Whichever incarnation of this film you’ve seen, you’re welcome to share your ideas and insights. It should be a lively discussion! IM moderators Symmetry Munro or Hawk Lightcloud if you need help getting there on Info Island. Something Wicked Halloween Pandemonium November 1 at 4-6 pm SLT Bradburyville will hold a “Something Wicked Halloween Pandemonium” on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 4-6pm slt. DJ Lyndzee McMillan will spin appropriately ghoulish tunes. Halloween costumes are the dress code for the event. Contact Daisyblue Hefferman for more information. TX950 – Bloodthirsty Halloween October 31st at 6 PM SLT Welcome to the dark side for this month’s TX950 party on Info Island, a motley crew of evil doers will be gathering on Info Island to celebrate Halloween, please join us to dance and discover what surprises the mausoleum holds! Contest for the best male and the best female in costume. Muhahahahahahahaha. Contact Abbey Zenith for more information. Show Me the Money November 1st at 6 PM SLT Join us on Investing Info Island to dance away the economy blues with some rocking tunes! Radio Riel will lead the gang in this money themed party. We may even have a few lindens to throw your way! Please contact Hypatia Dejavu or Abbey Zenith for additional information. Cypress Grove book discussion October 29 at 6 PM SLT Mystery Manor finishes the first season of the Waiting for the Other Gumshoe to Drop discussion series on Wednesday, October 29 with James Sallis’ thoughtful mystery, Cypress Grove. Please join discussion leader Maxito Ricardo at 6:00pm SL in the Gazebo at Mystery Manor. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Info%20Island/181/161/33 After the discussion we will have time to talk about season two which will start in January 2009. Our tentative theme is International Mystery and we would like to know what you think. For more information contact Max Batra. Enjoy Halloween on Imagination Island Join us on Imagination Island as we celebrate the special days at the end of October and beginning of November. Visit the cursed Pyramid, haunted graveyard, Halloween, Samhain, All Souls, All Saints and Dia de los Muertos displays at Rachelville. Then teleport over to Mythica Plaza and walk through the Haunted House on the pond. TPs provided between both places. The pyramid and graveyard were set up by library student volunteer, Ka Castaignede. The haunted house on Mythica is on the pond next to the Plaza there. Besides the scary and absurd you’ll find resources on horror films. SLURL to Rachelville Plaza http://slurl.com/secondlife/Imagination%20Island/111/178/25/ SLURL to Mythica Plaza http://slurl.com/secondlife/Imagination%20Island/188/153/22/ Be there are be turned into a pumpkin at midnight! Oh yeah.and don’t forget the trick or treat party at Rachelville on October 31st at 4:30pm SL time. For more information, contact Rocky Vallejo. College Fair Coming to Info Island College Fair coming to InfoIsland! Call for Participating Institutions! Info Island is hosting a Virtual College Fair! Come take advantage of this opportunity to promote your college or university to visitors from around the world - and no one needs to leave home! See http://infoisland.org/2008/10/18/college-fair-coming-to-infoisland/ for more information and sign-up form. The fair will be held on November 16, so please sign up soon! Alexandrian Free Library: Caledon, Winterfell, Steelhead, New Babbage & New Toulouse Library events October 28 - Nov 4 Thu, October 30, 7pm – 8pm Radio Theatre - War of the Worlds, on Radio Riel Radio Riel HQ, Caledon Penzance http://slurl.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Penzance/224/100/24 Or tune in at http://music.radioriel.org Join Caledon Library collaborator Radio Riel for an historic Halloween event as host Edward Pearse presents “War of the Worlds”. Directed and narrated by Orson Welles this adaptation of H. G. Wells’ novel “The War of the Worlds” was first aired October 30, 1938 over the WABC Radio network, as an episode of the American radio drama anthology series “Mercury Theatre on the Air.” During the original broadcast, its format as a series of news bulletins caused considerable panic as listeners decided that Martians really were landing in West Windsor, New Jersey. For much more information see http://www.war-ofthe-worlds.co.uk/ Come join the party at Radio Riel Headquarters in Caledon Penzance. Greenies welcome. Steelhead Scary Story Festival Oct. 25, 26 & 30 2008 Sponsored by the Steelhead Library; please contact Riven Homehood for details At the Haunted Steelhead Hotel Ballroom http://slurl.com/secondlife/Steelhead/75/156/26 Schedule - All times are SLT Saturday Oct. 25 11:30am - Shalmendo Gleneux reading “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe 12 noon - Iason Hassanov telling ghost stories 1pm - Elder Priestman & Derry McMahon reading “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving Sunday Oct. 26 6pm Professor Rudolfo Woodget will tell two stories 7pm Lludmila Mirrikh Thursday Oct 30 7pm Hotspur O’Toole 8pm Elegia Underwood Friday Oct. 31 7pm Haunted Hotel Costume Ball

The American Library Association Virtual Communities and Libraries Membership Interest Group is pleased to announce its first ALA SLymposium to be held in the virtual world of Second Life on ALA island on Saturday November 8. There is no charge for the event. The fall SLymposium will offer a look at what all types of library-related organizations are doing in Second Life. A companion symposium for spring will explore what all types of library-related organizations are doing in other virtual environments. The keynote speaker for the SLymposium is Tom Peters, CEO of TAP Information Services, and author of the recently released “Libraries and Virtual Worlds,” an ALA TechSource publication. Peters is also one of the conveners of the VCL MIG. Other speakers include Sonja Morgan-Plummer, Tina Coleman from ALA, Carrie Pennell from Harvard University, FT Takacs from University of South Carolina, Carol Perryman from University of North Carolina SLIS, Kelly Czarnecki from Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, and Sue Bergren, a graduate student from the University of Illinois. To register for this event, go to http://tinyurl.com/5eypww For more information on the event, please contact Tom Peters at tapinformation@yahoo.com, Lori Bell at lbell927@gmail.com, or Sonja Morgan at sonjamorgwain@yahoo.com Event Schedule 8:00 A.M. – Welcome and Keynote Tom Peters, author, ALA TechSource Library Technology Report on Librarianship in Virtual Worlds 8:30 A.M. – Public and Rural Libraries in Second Life Sonja Morgan. Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library 9:00 A.M. – Library Associations in Second Life Tina Coleman, ALA 9:30 A.M. – Academic Libraries in Second Life Carrie Pennell, Harvard University FT Takacs, University of South Carolina 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. – Break 11:00 A.M. – Special Libraries in Second Life Carol Perryman, Coordinator of Health Infoisland 11:30 A.M. – Schools, Teens and Tweens in virtual worlds Kelly Czarnecki, Public Library Of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County 12:00 P. M. – Graduate library students in Second Life – Sue Bergren 12:30 P.m. – Social