Teen Library in Second Life
 Teen Library in Second Life
Are you a teen intrigued by virtual worlds and interested in assisting the library with an innovative project? Then PLCMC has an opportunity for you!
The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County is pleased to be piloting a program exploring the creation of teen library services in a virtual world.
Additional Partners:
- Trinity Episcopal School
- University of North Carolina-Charlotte Language Resource Center
- NASA
- The Technology Museum of Innovation
- Librarians (public, school, and academic) and educators from around the world
Teens (age 13-17) that are interested in assisting with the creation of a virtual library on the teen grid of the popular online world, Second Life should contact: Kelly Czarnecki, Technology Education Librarian at ImaginOn
How can I participate?
Contact Kelly Czarnecki, Technology Education Librarian at ImaginOn, (704) 973-2742 or the Tech Central Department, (704) 973-2727 for more information.
FAQ | Quotes from the Lindens | Quotes from Teens | SirsiDynix Press Release | Additional Information Resources | Multimedia
Frequently Asked Questions What is Teen Second Life?
Teen Second Life is a subset of the popular 3D online virtual world, Second Life. The teen world of second life is separate from the adult world and is only accessible to those ages 13- 17 and while there is no charge to have an account in SL, the program must be downloaded and installed on a computer. Over 40,000 avatars are currently created in Teen Second Life.
While many people might compare Second Life to a video game since it shares many attributes in its look and feel, there are no goals, strategies or objectives like video games; rather this online environment offers a creative playground to build, interact and learn from other users/residents.
Within Second Life, users or “residents” are represented by avatars, a computer generated representation of a person.
 What library services will be offered in Teen Second Life?
With the project in its initial phase we are still exploring the possibilities for library services for teens. Some ideas for teens include:
- streamed in audio or video authors, politicians, or other teen related speakers
- building, scripting, and designing classes taught by teens and adults
- book discussions
- walk-throughs of book or movie scenes
- machinima (creating videos of SL)
- book publishing
- art displays
- CosPlays - dress and act like your favorite anime or manga character
- music and drama performance
- contests
- dancing
If you any ideas and would like to contribute your thoughts and talents to this project, please let us know.
 How are librarian’s participating in Teen Second Life if it is only accessible to teens ages 13-17?
Through special permission from Linden Lab, the creators of Second Life, a select group of librarians and other adult educators have been given access to the Eye4You Alliance Island (the name of the Library’s island and partnership with the Alliance Library System). These librarians are limited to this island within the teen world and have undergone an extensive independently furnished background check to allow them to participate. Unlike the librarians, teens within Teen Second Life have full access to the entire world allowing them to visit adult owned Islands as they wish.
Additional FAQs from Linden Lab for Parents
 Is there a library in the adult grid of Second Life that adults can visit?>/p>
Yes, the Alliance Library System in East Peoria, IL has created a large and active presence within Second Life called Info Island. You can find more information about this project at:
 What is PLCMC doing in Second Life?
Since October 2006, PLCMC has had a partnership with the Alliance Library System in East Peoria, IL in Teen Second Life (for 13-17 year olds). A virtual Island for teens and adults to interact and offer library services is the project of the partnership. Partnerships with educators such as librarians, professors, authors, technology specialists and teens from around the world are involved on the Island. Classes for Charlotte teens are being offered at ImaginOn, starting in January, 2007. Also in January 2007, SirsiDynix announced their support and partnership with the Island.
 How can I participate?
Contact Kelly Czarnecki, Technology Education Librarian at ImaginOn, (704) 973-2742 or the Tech Central Department, (704) 973-2727 for more information.
 How can I access second life at the library?
Currently through laptops #1-5 in the Loft at ImaginOn and the Tech Central computer lab at ImaginOn. While laptops can be borrowed anytime to access the program, fun skills and programs led by a librarian will be offered in the computer lab.
 Is there a charge to become a resident of Second Life?
There are no fees.
Quotes from the Lindens
 "Congratulations to everyone making this kind of wonderful stuff happen on the Teen Grid. You're really changing the world for many kids."
-Pathfinder Linden
"I'm really happy to see this (the public library involved in Teen Second Life). Finally, meeting teens in the digital space. I think the library will be a great location for guest mentors to interact with teens."
-Claudia Linden
Quotes from Teens
"I've been in Second Life for a little over a year now. It's an amazing platform - it allows you to create anything and share it with people instantly."
"Recently, I've been working with importing forms of media into Second Life (podcasts, magazines, blogs, etc.). This has always had a lot of interest to me, and I'd like to be able to put all of that to use in this project. The Eye4You project has a lot of potential, and I'd like to help recognize it's goal."
"I think libraries now are outdated. Second Life provides an entirely different method of making one."
"I love talking to people and helping"
"There aren't many things I would like to incorporate from a real-life library, but I would like to incorporate scenes from books."
Additional Information Resources
Multimedia
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