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Text and Photo by BOOKIE BALOGH
Leeorie Alter
Initially established to undertake several projects, including a prototype library, the group will now continue to stimulate interest in SL on the part of public libraries and library systems, and to offer assistance in providing a presence inworld. Alter says, “there are very few SL projects originating from real life libraries; that is one of the issues I would like to see the group address.” According to Alter (rl: Lorie Hyten), it has taken her more than a year to provide a presence in SL for her own library, the Olathe Public Library. Most public librarians would find that kind of time commitment out of the realm of possibility.
In addition, there are some public libraries that are entirely SL-based, such as the Caledon Library, which provide wonderful services to a large clientele. “Without duplicating projects that are already out there, “ Alter said, “we can learn from these examples, to see if they have applications to other projects.”
The September meeting was a brain-storming session, intended to put some ideas on the table for future discussion and/or action. Alter hopes to establish an informal discussion series on topics of interest to public librarians and libraries, to identify people already active in SL who may be willing to mentor public librarians new to SL, and to organize a formal list of libraries already involved in SL. A small parcel has been made available to the group on Cybrary City II so that the groups can take advantage of SL’s search capabilities.
With the energy of Alter and her colleagues behind this effort, the presence of public libraries in SL will have a significant positive impact on librarianship in SL!
 Public Library Group in Cybrary City II
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Librarianship 
