The document discusses the inclusion of video games in libraries, emphasizing that non-readers and gamers of all ages deserve access to gaming resources. It highlights the evolving perception of video games as both entertainment and educational tools, and provides statistics on the growth of video game collections and circulation in libraries. Additionally, it offers practical advice on implementing video game programs and resources available for libraries interested in gaming initiatives.

1. Get Your Game On Video Games for All Ages @ Your Library Dylan Baker Ada Community Library & Special Projects Library Action Team [email_address]

2. The Right NOT to Read “ Libraries must understand that non-readers are a tax paying part of our service group who deserve some kind return on their dollar, without having librarians look down their nose at them. As scary as it may sound, people do have a right NOT to read.” — Steve Bertrand, Assistant Director of Kankakee Public Library Source: The Right NOT to Read , She Said/He Said: Kanakee Public Library Blog on May 8, 2007

3. This is a Library, Not an Arcade… “ WHY? For the love of dear old Melvil Dewey, why would we take our hallowed houses of learning and sully them with these vile, prurient, mind-rotting entertainments?” — Eli Neiburger, forthcoming book about gaming in libraries Source: Jenny Levine’s “Gaming in the Library” SirsiDynix Presentation on Mar 13, 2007

4. … and Other Entirely Artificial Distinctions “ Well, it’s a fair question, so long as you remember that they were saying exactly the same thing about Pride and Prejudice not that long ago. Minus the Dewey part, of course.” — Eli Neiburger, forthcoming book about gaming in libraries Source: Jenny Levine’s “Gaming in the Library” SirsiDynix Presentation on Mar 13, 2007

5. Are We Listening? “ About one-half of the participants in the younger groups identified video games as a source of entertainment. Those who played said that they would usually either rent a game or buy it, although both of these were perceived to be expensive.” Source: Perceptions of Idaho’s Digital Natives on Public Library prepared for Idaho Commission for Libraries; August 2007

6. Who Is Today’s Gamer? You Have No Idea “ Can you guess who's at the control of this video-game screen? If you said a teenager, you're only 17% right. In fact, it could be a senior citizen or a young kid, a fan of global multiplayer fantasy games, or a sudoku fiend.” — Beth Snyder Bulik Source: Who Is Today’s Gamer? You Have No Idea , Advertising Age on May 14, 2007

7. Video Games Disc or cartridge media Playable on consoles Microsoft Nintendo Sony See also computer games Internet games

8. Pick Your Platforms Old Generation (6 th ) Sony PlayStation 2  Nintendo GameCube  Microsoft Xbox Next Generation (7 th ) Nintendo Wii  Microsoft Xbox 360  Sony PlayStation 3 Handhelds Nintendo Gameboy Advance  Nintendo DS  Sony PlayStation Portable Source: Video game console , Wikipedia on May 17, 2007

9. Achievement Unlocked Video Game Collection @ ACL (as of Feb ‘05) 20 games 0 circs ~$400 cost Video Game Collection @ ACL (as of May ‘07) 414 games 6449 circs 15+ average circs/game ~$10,000 cost ~$1.50 cost/circ

10. New High Score! Video Game Collection @ ACL (as of April ‘08) 634 games 16451 circs 25+ average circs/game ~$18,000 cost ~$1.10 cost/circ

11. Video Game Programs

12. Video Game Programs

13. Where to “Start” TV or digital projector (with speakers) Video game console new, used or donated Video games

14. How to “Continue” Snacks & drinks chips, vegetables, soda, juice Prizes gift cards, games, systems More of Everything consoles, games, accessories

15. ESRB & U Entertainment Software Rating Board EC (Early Childhood) ages 3 and up E (Everyone) ages 6 and up E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) ages 10 and up T (Teen) ages 13 and up

16. LSTA Grants Gamer’s Guild funding for six Wiis, six projectors and more only required 25% match Instructions and Applications http://libraries.idaho.gov/forlibs-lsta

17. Gamers… in the Library Subtitle: The Why, What, and How of Videogame Tournaments for All Ages Written by Eli Neiburger, Technology Manager at the Ann Arbor District Library $42 from the ALA Store … or your local library

18. Gaming Resources Game On: Games in Libraries http://libgaming.blogspot.com/ LibGaming Google Group http://groups.google.com/group/LibGaming LibSuccess Wiki: Gaming http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Gaming Metacritic: Game Reviews http://www.metacritic.com/games/ School Library Journal: Console Video Games Review http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/community/Multimedia/47072.html