Virtual Neighbourhoods, Real Communities -- Branch and Specialised Services in SL

This week I read J.J. Jacobson’s article “Virtual Neighbourhoods, Real Communities: The Caledon Branch Library and the Branch Library Program.” To be honest, the thought of having specific branches in SL never crossed my mind. I think that dismissing virtual communities as homogenous is likely a popular opinion among nonusers. Instead of having physical branches in specific geographic areas in a community where the population may have more similarities than other areas applies to virtual libraries. In this case, branches serve specific interest groups. Much like “real libraries” patrons go to certain places in the same way as they would in SL. The Caledon branch in SL serves a specific interest group of Victorian steampunk users. Their interests primarily fall under the broad auspices of arts and sciences, but Caledon indeed attracts a specific crowd with specific interests. At the time the Jacobson wrote this article, other libraries focused on arts and sciences were in development. One library focuses on European history also, but is open to those who speak Danish or German. As a historian, I plan on looking for history library communities, where people can stand to hear me talk about history. SL libraries seem to be a place where users can search for information that may interest them, but not have to behave in a certain way, I think in terms of formality or seriousness as Jacobson describes. Much like in real libraries, librarians must immerse themselves in the culture of the sim. Organising and participating in social functions is important in making sure that resources like blogs or wikis and other useful tools are readily available and thoughtfully collected. I particularly liked how the author likened this idea to broader principles of librarianship (ie community engagement) I also think this chapter corresponds well with our tour of Ability Island on Monday night. Ability Island could in this sense serve as a branch library that specialises in providing services to those with physical or mental challenges that may prohibit them from going to a library in FL. Since librarians are often knowledgeable in how to provide specialised services, these skills can translate into SL library branch communities as well.