Where is there a place where you can gather everything you could possibly imagine - within reason of course? Ah, to have the world at your fingertips. This could only be true in the virtual world - right? There are such things as virtual libraries in the virtual world of Second Life, but I'm talking about everyone being able to access resources anytime, anywhere by anyone - not just resident avatars. I personally don't have the extra time in my day to play in virtual worlds; I guess it's just not my thing although I'm sure it appeals to many Generation Xers. I do have to say I was curious about what is being offered in the virtual world of Second Life; if you are as well, check this out from YouTube SL Libraries - Info Island Archipelago Tour. There are many aspects covered like podcasts, rotating exhibits, and the offering of translations into many languages. The focus here will be on virtual libraries on the Internet not including Second Life.
In the world of physical libraries, I'd like to make the distinction between a school that has a website - blog, wiki, etc with catalogue searches/resources available and true virtual libraries (VL). The latter involves online interaction. A VL has: organization and access not physically present, are accessible at any time (not just when the school is open), comprises of audio and visual resources, allows for collaboration amongst users, provides tutorials, and offers online periodicals (Gunn, 2002). Wow - that sure is asking a lot of any one organizational entity. There are indeed some amazing compilations available.
While there are many subject specific virtual libraries available online, I will direct my findings of resources to school library use. I had viewed Springfield's Virtual Library previously but I had not realized that the emphasis of virtual libraries "is on organization and access, no on physical collections" as Gunn points out. I thought that copious quantities of server space was required to operate virtual sites, but it makes much more sense to be able to access the information through links.
If I were looking for the perfect virtual library I would be looking for certain characteristics. In "Excellence in Service in the Virtual Library", not only does Balas list virtual libraries to check out but also includes applying something new. The sites to check out are:
· Virtual Reference Shelf (Library of Congress) This site offers selected Web resources that have been complied by the Library of Congress and includes: an annotated list of reference Websites, a librarian's index to the Internet, and reference desk (Refdesk).
· Virtual Reference Library It is great to have a Canadian focus, Ontario based to research topics closer to home. Touted as "the best of the Library and the Internet brought to you by librarians". It is broken down into subject categories. It also links to other Library portals and digital collections.
· People's Network: Online services from public libraries. This provider offers three entry points: 'Enquire' for your questions answered in real-time by real people; 'Discover' has a mix of images, websites, news, etc; and 'Read' allows you to explore books to read and share with others. This has a clean, simple easy to follow appealing interface.
The new thing being introduced is the "LibraryH3Ip: A New Flexible Chat Reference System". Here's how it will work: it is "an integrated instant messaging and web chat system ... designed specifically for libraries offering virtual reference services". Granted this is still in infancy stages - but think of the endless possibilities!
These are just a few of the possibilities in the realm of virtual libraries. The wonderful part about them is that they have so much to offer that's only a click or two away.
Sources
Balas, Janet. (2009, January). Excellence in Service in the Virtual Library. Computers in Libraries, 29(1), 36. Retrieved from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1624012291).
Gunn, Holly. (2002, July). Virtual Libraries Supporting Student Learning. Retrieved from http://trailfire.com/joannedegroot/marks/323817.
Kilara, Rosmairta. (2007, May 11). SL Libraries - Info Island Archipelago Tour. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8v3TZethQ0.
People's Network: Online services from public libraries. Retrieved from http://www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk/
Valenza, Joyce. (2009, June 10). Springfield Township High School Virtual Library. Retrieved from http://www.sdst.org/shs/library/
Virtual Reference Library- Ontario. Retrieved from http://www.virtualreferencelibrary.ca/
Virtual Reference Shelf (Library of Congress). Retrieved from http://www.loc.gov/rr/askalib/virtualref.html
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