Most of us in the library field, or anyone working on any project in SL for that matter, are familar with the "C" word - collaboration. My handy online Webster defines it this way: 1 : to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor 2 : to cooperate with or willingly assist an enemy of one's country and especially an occupying force 3 : to cooperate with an agency or instrumentality with which one is not immediately connected. For the purpose of this editorial, I am referring to definition #1.

Collaboration could be considered the partner of teamwork and is one of the fundamental skills newbies need to master along with dressing, chatting, handling objects, and building. No avatar, like no man, is an island although he can own an island and build objects on it usually with the help of his friends and colleagues. Why do you think there are so many groups in SL? Working and playing together on joint projects and common interests is a lot more productive and enjoyable than hanging out in SL alone.

Why is collaboration so important in Second Life? Take the example of the Alliance Virtual Library. When Lori Bell (SL: Lorelei Junot) brought volunteers to Info Island three years ago, virtual librarianship was in the Pioneer stages. And, like the early American settlers, these people needed to work together to bring their resources, ideas, and experience to a project that was just beginning and learn new skills along the way. Through their continued effort, the Information Archipelgo continues to offer fine and varied exhibits, programs, and educational opportunities. And in the spirit of sharing and collaborating, the new Innovation Island that will be profiled in our next issue will offer even more ways for new projects to be showcased.

RezLibris is another example of collaboration on a smaller scale. Each month, our staff works together to write, edit, illustrate, and publish articles of interest to the SL library and related communities. We are all still learning and in the early stages of this endeavor, too. But while collaboration among the staff is essential, it is also equally important for our readers to collaborate with us by providing feedback about our articles (which ones you like, which ones you don't, which new ones you'd like to see); suggesting new performers to be profiled for our Performer Showcase, new venues for our Venue of the Month, new fashion topics for our fashion column, and new sims for our Sim-Seeing column, as well as offering to guest write an article or column or contribute to our new Creative Corner. In this way, RezLibris becomes a true product that reflects your, our readers,' interests and not just that of the people on our publishing team. In the upcoming months, look for opportunities to collaborate with us through surveys, contests, and other interactive ways both online and inworld. We welcome you as readers as well as partners in our publishing project.