Virtually Embedded in Second Life  

  Marian Davis (SL: ChipMunkey Flaks) is an Associate Professor of Library Services and the Distance Learning Librarian at the James C. Kirkpatrick Library of the University of Central Missouri.

She also is the reference librarian and subject specialist for the College of Science and Technology, including Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture, Mathematics, Automotive, Aviation, and more.

In addition to research interests in distance learning, she is actively involved in library instruction within Second Life, changing trends in advertisements for professional librarian positions, and genealogy.

Marian earned her MLS from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and an Ed. Spec. degree from the University of Central Missouri in Human Services. She is a member of ALA and ACRL, Missouri Library Association, and the Missouri Distance Learning Association.

Presentation overview

Academic librarians collaborated with an English professor to embed in undergraduate composition courses taught within the virtual world of Second Life. Librarians attended class alongside students, eliminating barriers and building a positive rapport. Over three semesters, they progressed from bumping into virtual walls to providing in-depth research consultations and formal bibliographic instruction. This session focuses on the unique challenges of embedded librarianship in Second Life and best practices for supporting students in virtual learning contexts.

Presentation Objectives

• Provide an overview of embedded librarianship services in Second Life including:
  • Research consultations
  • Library instruction
• Address how to get started in Second Life embedding
• Review related research conducted by the presenters
• Discuss challenges encountered in virtual embedding
• Present a developing set of best practices for virtual embedding

 Attendees will:

• Obtain a broad understanding of embedded librarianship in virtual environments
• Learn how to participate in this emerging activity for distance learning librarians
• Gain an awareness of the challenges associated with virtual embedding

Carol Smith (SL: Moxie Gearhead) is Assistant Professor of Library Services and Business Librarian at the James C. Kirkpatrick Library of the University of Central Missouri.

She additionally serves as the library’s instructional design librarian, responsible for identifying and integrating innovative technologies into bibliographic instruction and promoting information literacy integration into the campus curriculum. Her research interests include embedded librarianship in virtual worlds, GIS in academic libraries, and competitive intelligence.

Carol holds both an M.S. Library and Information Science and an M.S. Information Systems from Drexel University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Information Science and Learning Technologies with the University of Missouri - Columbia. Carol is a member of ALA RUSA BRASS Publication committee, and editor of the BRASS Notes section of the RUSA Update newsletter. She also currently serves on the board of the Missouri Library Association (MLA).