Information Dynamics in Virtual Worlds

Dedication

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Introduction

Part I: Virtual Ontologies

Chapter 1: Mapping virtual worlds

Abstract

Theory v. reality

Our theoretical moorings

Hyperreality

Globalization

Gender and queering

Actor-Network Theory

Intertextuality

Transhumanism

Spaces and how to move in them

Running in virtual spacetime

Money moves worlds

Some definitions

Chapter 2: Types of virtual worlds

Abstract

Games

Gametypes

Perspective, aesthetics, clickiness

Non-games

Chapter 3: N00bz inworld

Abstract

Gendered initiation

Stories and tasks

Floating World, Active World: Islands in the Net

Back to initiation

Help from the man

Symbols of passage

Chapter 4: Inworld info desks: information initiation

Abstract:

Official Stuff

The unofficial stuff

Wikis and forums

Fan pages, Blog posts, Newsgroups

Further discussion

Chapter 5: Info service inworld: how to practice info services in virtual worlds

Abstract:

Let’s talk about librarians first

Inworld library attributes

Real skills for real patrons?

Who is the community? Who are the patrons?

Where to lurk

Viral you

Linden, Turing, and Kempelen’s Turk

Part II: Time Inworld

Introduction

Chapter 6: Hungry Ghosts in Second Life

Abstract:

Deep and dark

Official signage

Academically speaking

No action

Public, as in Tammanial Hall

I’m a Mac. And I’m a PC

Real Life again

Chapter 7: After virtual worlds

Abstract:

Thumbing into new turf

Chapter 8: Conclusions

Appendix I: SL librarianship

Appendix II: TOS

Bibliography

Index

Presents a broad examination of the nature of virtual worlds and the potential they provide in managing and expressing information practices through that medium, grounding information professionals and students of new media in the fundamental elements of virtual worlds and online gaming. The book details the practical issues in finding and using information in virtual environments and presents a general theory of librarianship as it relates to virtual gaming worlds. It is encompassed by a set of best practice methods that libraries can effectively execute in their own environments, meeting the needs of this new generation of library user, and explores ways in which information literacy can be approached in virtual worlds. Final chapters examine how conventional information evaluation skills work falls short in virtual worlds online.

• Maps out areas of good practice and technique for information professionals and librarians serving in virtual communities
• Provides a clear foundation with appropriate theory for understanding information in virtual worlds
• Treats virtual worlds as ‘real environments’ and observes the behaviour of actors within them

Practitioners and students in Library and Information Science