Introduction

Library 3.0 @Appalachian State UniversityWhat is the Future of Face-to-Face Reference?

Geri Purpur & Louise Ochoa

The AETZone

AppedTech

Aufbau

Caseland

Cybraria

EdAdminCommons

AETZone Multi-World Universe

History

Usability study informed the design of new library

Student Profile

The AETZone supports distance education students in four programs.

InstructionalTechnology

Library Science

EducationalLeadership

Curriculum & Instruction

Communication Methods

•Instant Messaging•Telegrams•Web Conferencing •Avatars (physical gestures)•Blogs

The Interface

Chat area

Web Window

Tabs toolbar

Menu Bar

Collections

Many objects link to library materials and resources such as databases, guides and tutorials.

Temporary Displays

Staffing

•Staffed by three Distance Learning Librarians•Flexible:• daytime, evening, and weekend hours

•Mobile:•NOT limited to the physical library

Reference

•Librarian Label•Public Text Message•Rove throughout world, join users•Encourage users to send us telegrams•Monitor class discussion boards and blogs•Links to Velaro Chat, email and telephone

Information Gardens Chat Reference

Sense of presence & co-presence

Limited sense of presence

Sense of community Limited opportunity for buildingrelationships

Allows for serendipitous interaction

Isolated environment

Virtual Service Comparison

Successes

Special Events•Banned Books Week Read Out•Halloween Haunted Garden•Tours

Student Quote:“I just got done with my tour of the library and loved it! There is a multitude of resources in here that I’m sure I will use”

Challenges

•Initial learning curve•Maintenance of Information Gardens•Level of service •Evaluation

Future

•Use of virtual worlds growing rapidly•Over 100 libraries & dozens of colleges have a presence in Second Life•Open source initiatives pave way for online vs. physical access to collections•Increase in online programs •Chat Reference meets the expectations of the millennial generation students