Hello all,
Recently, we had a discussion about changing the name of the ACRL Virtual World Interest Group to the "Virtual Reality Interest Group".
In that discussion, much came up regarding the confusion about virtual environments and nomenclature! Several terms were suggested including: Extended Reality (XR), Mixed Reality (MR), Augmented Reality (AR), all of which are explored in the Virtual World Interest Group.
A new cross virtual community group has emerged in virtual worlds called the Virtual World Education Consortium (See under PROJECTS at the
Community Virtual Library.) Perhaps to maintain continuity with our past and emphasis on the potential for "desktopVR" since VR headsets are still not recommended for long term use or for the very young, we are now leaning toward keeping our name
ACRL Virtual World Interest Group.
We do, however, feel that our charge needs to be revised. Feedback would be greatly welcomed!
Current Charge
The Virtual Worlds Interest Group provides an opportunity for academic librarians with virtual world interests and responsibilities to have a place in ACRL to network, share information, ask questions, and work on special projects and programs relevant to academic libraries. The Interest Group also works to promote the various uses of virtual environments to potential and current academic librarians and to improve information literacy specifically in virtual worlds. The ACRL VWIG sponsors events, programs and meetings held mainly within the virtual world of Second Life and explores other developing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality environments.
Proposed CHANGE to Charge
The Virtual Worlds Interest Group provides an opportunity for academic librarians with virtual environment interests and responsibilities to have a place in ACRL to network, share information, ask questions, and work on special projects, promote accessibility and provide programs relevant to academic libraries. The Interest Group also works to promote the various uses of virtual reality to potential and current academic librarians and to improve information literacy (metaliteracy) specifically in virtual spaces. The ACRL VWIG sponsors events, programs and meetings held mainly within the virtual world of Second Life and explores other developing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality platforms.
Thank you for any input you may provide.
Warmly,
Dr. Valerie Hill
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Valerie Hill
Director
Community Virtual Library
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