Libraries and immersive learning environments unite in Second Life

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the current impact of virtual worlds on librarianship and identify significant gains in a new mode of information delivery and immersive learning. Design/methodology/approach - Through exploratory research and observation, the prospective study addresses a very new trend in information delivery and technology within library services. Findings - Provides evidence of global collaboration among information scientists, significant contributions to library collections, and potential for educational opportunities through immersive learning environments. Research limitations/implications - A small number of librarians are participating in virtual world librarianship in relation to the profession, due to the mode being a very new one. Future research should include studying the needs of library patrons and information seeking behaviors in virtual worlds along with accessibility, security and sustainability. Practical implications - The study implies many educational opportunities and potential for information organization, information delivery, multimedia, and immersive learning on a global scale. Originality/value - This study presents significant evidence that virtual worlds have provided a new medium of information delivery and educational opportunities that librarians are currently embracing and sharing with other fields, including medicine, art, science, and education.