The School of Library & Information Science (SLIS) at San Jose State University, CA, is embracing web-based virtual reality environments, such as Second Life. A summer class in Immersive Environments will be the first to devote itself entirely to the phenomenon. “We're very careful that we aren't teaching people how to use a particular piece of software,� said Director Ken Haycock, “but are using it to illustrate� new technological trends. SLIS has had a presence in Second Life since last year, when a Soros Foundation grant enabled it to purchase a 16-acre site to create an “information island.� This spring, several SLIS classes included Second Life design laboratories, where students created young adult spaces.

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