Gaming in the Libraries

1. GAMING AND IMPLICATIONS FOR
LIBRARIES

2. LIBRARY AND GAMES
 Due to interest, I decided to
tweak the topic a little and
focus video and computer
games in libraries
 For the record gaming in
libraries can include a
number of things including
board games, traditional
games (I am not really sure
what this means), physical
games (I guess like
dodgeball and sharks and
minnow – no clue how to
play this in a
library), summer
reading, card games, and
roleplaying games

3. LIBRARY AND GAMES
 Why it works for libraries
 Focus on educational value as she shows how these
―cognitive workouts‖ are proven to enhance the
development of learning and literacy skills.
 Get insights into the social value of gaming—an activity
that cuts across age, socioeconomic groups, gender,
and technical know-how
 Learn how other libraries, with creative planning and
little money, have incorporated gaming services for a big
return on investment.

4. LIBRARIES AND GAMES
 Some facts
 7 out of 10 public libraries support gaming
 4 out of 10 public libraries run gaming programs
 Console and computer games account for a third of
gaming programs
 82% of libraries allow patrons to play games on the
computer

5. LIBRARIES AND GAMES
 Libraries have a lot of
options for their size
and funding
 Game consoles like
Playstation3, XBOX
360, and Wii
 MMOs like Second
Life, and WoW
 Computer based
games like the Sims

6. LIBRARIES AND GAMES
 Bringing in games into
libraries can increase
demographics because it
crosses gender lines and
it crosses age lines
 Women over the age of 40
are more likely to play
online games than other
demographics
 Can increase literacy and
education rates

7. LIBRARIES AND GAMES – CARVERS
BRANCH LIBRARY IN RURAL SOUTH
CAROLINA

8. LIBRARIES AND GAMES – WOW
INFOISLAND

9. LIBRARIES AND GAMES – SOME MORE OPTIONS
 Incorporate games that supplement or aid in the school curriculum
 Social studies – SimCity
 Music and performing arts – Just Dance
 Math and logic – Portal
 Different cultures - Okami
 Some other games that support curriculum but might have opposition for the public are
 Greek mythology – God of war
 Literature – Devil May Cry
 Offer prizes
 Doesn’t always have to be money oriented
 Hall of Fame
 Teaching gaming to inexperienced or younger patrons
 Interview in newsletter or other forms of public relations
 Provide different levels and types so as not to alienated those
who are less experienced or are not into a certain genre of
video games

10. WORKS CITED
• http://boardgameswithscott.com/pulse2007.pdf
• http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=archive&templat
e=/contentmanagement/contentdisplay.cfm&ContentID=14
2608
• http://www.webjunction.org/lotm/articles/content/443418
• http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issu
e_99/551-Dewey-Decimals-and-Dance-Dance-Revolution