Virtual worlds like Second Life open up a vast array of possibilities for students etc. Last year I was at the ASLA conference in Perth and attended a session where the presenter showed the Virtual Worlds set up by many of the Australian universities. One of the schools I work on is interested in joining in a project with other schools to set up a virtual environent for a particular course. So, in terms of trends I think there are a variety - some people using it for entertainment but others also using it as advertising/promotion etc. Libraries could use it for both purposes!
Benefits - it appeals to many who enjoy the cartoon/graphic type representations. It also allows for flexibility to get ideas/information etc through another means to staff and students.
I know online game is appealing to some and we obviously need to cater for them too (it just isn't something I personally find appealing!). I think it is important that Second Life keeps the adolescent and adult streams separate though.
Ideas such as Avatars can allow students to express their personality in various ways and also be used to teach students about online safety and not revealing all about themselves (eg photos).
And I can see great psooibilities for setting up my ideal library in a virtual world and sharing it with my line managers next budget cycle!!!
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I do like the avatar idea for student expression, as well as cyber safety! It's very important.
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