The Library in Second Life

Visit the UTPA Library in the virtual world of Second Life. Click here to learn about Second Life at UTPA.

The UTPA Library in conjunction with the Center for Online Learning, Teaching and Technology recently finished adding a virtual library on UTPA's Second Life campus. Second Life, though not available to the whole student body yet, offers a new 3D computer generated fully interactive learning environment for students and educators. Created by Lidden Labs in 2003, Second Life is host to millions of users, including hundreds of educational institutions. UTPA has been conducting trial classes in this innovative environment and has a large area in the virtual world dedicated to class instruction.

The new virtual UTPA Library is a close representation of the real life facility having nearly the same physical layout. Students using one will have no problem locating materials or services in the other. Also like its physical counterpart, the new Second Life Library offers access to media resources. Student avatars at the Second Life UTPA campus will now be able to use the library's websites, databases, and online catalog. Second Life represents a new and innovative way to facilitate learning as well as offer another point of access to our patrons. Future plans for the virtual library include creating interactive database tutorials and having a librarian on duty to answer questions.

If you have questions about the Library's Second Life project, please email Carl Nelson.

UTPA Library