Webinar for MaintainIT Project on gaming in libraries October 29, 2008. View archive here: https://cc.readytalk.com/play?id=spmsi4px

1. Game On! Lori Reed Employee Learning & Development Coordinator, PLCMC Brenda Hough Library Training Specialist, MaintainIT Project For the audio portion of this discussion, you will need to use your phone. Dial 866.740.1260 Access Code: 6339386 *6 mute *7 un-mute

3. Define: game

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

7. Why Gaming? Benefits to libraries? Benefits to the public?

8. It’s About Community “ During the course of my day, it’s my job to keep disturbances from occurring between patrons. Often, my presence in an area alone will keep situations from becoming combustible; especially working with children and young adults. A few weeks ago, I was patrolling the Tech Central area when I observed five young adult patrons having a heated discussion. As I walked to the area, it became apparent that the discussion between the teens was close to a full blown argument. The closer I walked, the better I was able to hear what exactly they were arguing about…

9. It’s About Community … You had a Muslim, a Korean, a Puerto Rican, a West Indian, and an African-American kid arguing animatedly about who did what in a Super Smash Brothers tournament practice session. I also noticed that each kid had a smile on his face as he described his exploits in the game. It occurred to me then, that I often see many kids day in and day out who are heading for serious trouble in their lives in the very immediate future. But on most days, I see kids doing things that put a smile on my face, too.” Tommie Foster Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County

10. It’s About Community “ We are brining 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

11. Not just for teens

12. Why wii do it “ Gaming at the library isn’t just about providing entertainment.” Jason Hyatt Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County

13. 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 Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County

17. 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 Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County

19. Other program ideas Angela Craig Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County

20. Mark Your Calendars! http://gaming.ala.org/resources/index.php?title=Ngd2008

21. maintainitproject.org