Gaming in Libraries

Gaming in Libraries
Speed Geeked by Lori Reed
lorireed.com

Define: game

Define: game
“A game is a structured activity, usually undertaken for enjoyment and sometimes also used as an educational tool.”
-Wikipedia 2008

What games do you play?
Xbox/360
PS2/3
PSP/DS
Wii
DDR
Guitar Hero/Rock Band
Role Playing
Alternate Reality Games
Second Life
Board games
Puzzles
Card Games

Why gaming? Why should you care?
Benefits to libraries?
Benefits to the public?

It’s About Community
“We are bringing people together and helping to bridge the gaps that exist between people. These include those of race, economic status, education level and age group. Saturday gaming events have homeless adults, playing with teenagers. It’s a way to bring the community together.”
Martin House
Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County

Not just for teens

Not just for the public

What’s the state of gaming at your library?
We host regular gaming events and tournaments.
We have held a few gaming events.
We are planning to offer gaming events.
We do not allow games of any kind in our library.

Getting Started
“Getting started is easier than ever before. It can be a chess club or inexpensive PS2s or Wii’s. It’s not about the glitz and glamour as much as it is about community and sharing an experience.”
Martin House

Planning
Talk to your target audience.
Create partnerships.
If possible, borrow the games and the game consoles from local teens or a local gaming store.

Other considerations
Think about making formal competition part of your gaming events.
Assess your game needs.
Be prepared for questions from parents and other concerned citizens.
Be proactive with your publicity.

Purchasing Equipment
Consoles?
Games?
Wireless controllers?
How many controllers?
Extra TVs?
Projector?

Collection
What games will you purchase?
Will you consider the ratings?
http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp
Will you let patrons bring in their own games?

Board Games
“One of the things I've learned a lot about during the last year is how much more interesting modern board games are. They're a lot more social (the same way modern videogames are), they're more interesting because they tend to require strategy more than just the luck of the dice, and they’re very different from traditional board games that just required you to move around a board.”
Jenny Levine a.k.a The Shifted Librarian
ALA

Other Program Ideas
“Gaming at the library isn’t just about providing entertainment.”
Jason Hyatt

Wisdom of the Crowd
“Gaming in Libraries is actually nothing new but the format has changed since we have grown up. Don’t feel like you have to be the expert of the game or the equipment in order to offer it as a service at your library. Think of yourself more as a guide and allow the knowledge and learning to come from the group.”
Kelly Czarnecki

Resources http://delicious.com/lorireed/librarygaming
ALA Gaming Wiki
http://gaming.ala.org/resources
Beth Gallaway’s Web Site
http://informationgoddess.info
Games in Libraries Podcast
http://www.gamesinlibraries.org
Innovation Chapter in The Joy of Computing
http://www.maintainitproject.org/cookbook-3/innovation
Infopeople Resources on Gaming in Libraries
http://infopeople.org/resources/gaming

For More Information
Contact:
Lori Reed
lori@lorireed.com
lorireed.com

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Gaming in Libraries

by Lori Reed on Mar 06, 2010

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Gaming in Libraries — Presentation Transcript