Posted by Kelly Czarnecki
The Gaming Discussion group met on Sunday afternoon-and what a discussion it was! Chaired by Beth Gallaway and co-chaired by Kelly Czarnecki. Many stories were shared from libraries all over the U.S. of how gaming as programs and services are already working. Several people came to the meeting because they knew that’s what teens are interested in, but didn’t necessarily know a lot about gaming. We apologize for the Skype cast and presentation in Second Life having to be cancelled, but the room the meeting was scheduled in did not have wireless capabilities.
The group was in agreement to request the board to take further action to appoint a video game selection committee. Similar to the committees that select the best audio books or DVDs for teens, this selection list would guide libraries to purchase recommended video games for their library.
Other initiatives the Gaming Discussion group will be involved in include:
- acting as an interest group which would create bibliographies, tip sheets, brochures, and seek to publish articles in publications such as YALS, SLJ, VOYA, or YAttitudes. (of which the last three all have regularly published gaming columns). Jami Schwarzwalder, discussion member, created very helpful brochures that were passed out at the meeting to get us started on resources. Check out the Mario Brothers Memorial Public Library for more info. Handouts on creating Library Runescape teams, created by Chris Rippel, Central Kansas Library System, were also given out.
- engage in a research component by applying for the Frances Henne grant which would develop a project that would research aspects of teens and gaming.
- work with the YALSA Technology for Young Adults committee to help with the marketing aspect of gaming for the 50th anniversary celebration of YALSA.
Other ideas shared that felt this discussion group could contribute to:
- recommendations on gaming equipment for libraries (cost, differences, age attraction, etc.)
- addressing the shrinkage problem (i.e., games stolen from the circulating collection)
- youth participation component (teens wanting to run tournaments and creating promotional materials-videos for games)
- funding ideas and experiences for gaming programs
- resources such as where to go on the Internet for cheat codes (GameFacts was recommended).
- how to convince administration that they need to offer gaming programs and services (relate to mission/vision statement, developmental needs and assets, and new literacies)
- what are other programs and services related to gaming (CosPlays, anime, machinima, fanfiction)
This discussion will also be available as a podcast. Join the LibGaming listserv to ask questions about video gaming at your library. There are over 300 members and this is an excellent resource for libraries and gaming.
