Using Second Life as a Training Tool in an Academic Library

Abstract

Training is an important factor for successful employee growth within an academic library. The purpose of this article is to scrutinize the option of using the virtual world, Second Life, as a training tool within an academic library. In doing so, various topics will be examined including training within libraries, the use of Second Life in educational settings, and Second Life as a training tool. Second Life offers unique opportunities for training but also presents a definite set of challenges, the first of which is the steep learning curve. Second Life is a virtual world that is being used with varying success as a training technique within corporate settings; however, little has been documented within a library setting. Nonetheless, libraries may find that Second Life can be an asset toward achieving their training goals.

KEYWORDS:

• training
• Second Life
• academic libraries
• virtual worlds