Eve of Departure

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Posted by Beth Gallaway

  • Made handouts for presentation & meetings? check!
  • Packed (including umbrella, sturdy shoes, and band aids)? check!
  • Touched base with roommate? check!
  • Boarding Pass printed? check!
  • Hotel confirmed? check!
  • Shuttle reservation made? check!
  • harged cell phone? check!
  • RSVP’d to events? check!
  • Updated itinerary in Google Calendar? check!

Next: Shower. Sleep. Airport!

Gaming Events of Interest at ALA Annual in New Orleans:


Sunday June 25th, 1:30-3:30 YALSA Teen Gaming Interest Group
Hilton New Orleans, Riverside 2 Poydras St
Chequers Room, 3rd floor

The purpose of this discussion is to discuss issues relating to teens and gaming and to develop and disseminate best practices in collections, programming, and related topics in the field of gaming (including video, computer, internet, handheld, mobile, board, card, and miniatures) for young adults ages 12-18. Bring a program to share, a game recommendation, or your questions about starter collections or successful gaming events. Teens are VERY welcome to attend – we could really use their opinions, experience, and expertise to add to the discussion.

Can’t attend? Join in via Skype or Second Life –

contact Beth Gallaway
(informationgoddess29 AT gmail DOT com or Kelly Czarnecki (kelly.queenofthejungle AT gmail DOT com for details.

Notes will also be posted on the YALSA blog, and online in our community at
http://communities.ala.org/Default.aspx?alias=communities.ala.org/teengamingdiscussiongroup

Moderators: Beth Gallaway, Metrowest MA Regional Library System

Waltham MA & Kelly Czarnecki, ImaginOn, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Monday, June 26th, 1:30 to 3:30
LITA: Exploring the Technology of Gaming
Morial Convention Center, Room 286/287

This program will concentrate on the validity, opportunities and
adoption of the provision of adult and teen games as the emerging new

literacy and literature of the immediate and long term future. Gaming
technology represents a fundamental learning and information exchange
of the future and by adopting it, libraries have the opportunity to
get ahead of the curve in an important emerging component of society.
Speakers: Kevin Ferst, Teen Librarian, Jacksonville (Fla.) Public Library;
Matt Gullett, ImaginOn (Charlotte, NC);
Eli Neiburger, Ann Arbor (Mich.) District Library;
Beth Gallaway, Metrowest MA Regional Library System, Waltham (Mass.)

(Although not a YALSA program, it has a strong teen focus, and conflicts only with YALSA selection committee meetings, according to event planner.)

ALA Online Communities and YALSA

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At my high school, after the first week of new quarter, members of the current graduating class in good standing could opt out of silent study hall and spend the rest of the quarter in the Senior Privilege area. “Senior Priv” was something for the freshman, sophomores and juniors to look forward to, and for the seniors to lord over the heads of the lower classes. It was nothing more than linoleum tiled room, directly under the library, outfitted with vending machines, breakfast service before noon, tables to encourage socializing — and games. Uno was the favorite activity in 1992, and pouring over Where’s Waldo? books in search of the man in the red & white striped shirt was a close second.

Today on the YALSA-BK list, someone asked about games popular with teens in libraries today – traditional board games, puzzles, and card games – that the library might purchase and have on hand. It sounds like a few librarians even jump in and play along.

The subject is a bit off topic for that particular listserv, so I recommended that we move the conversation to the new ALA Online Communities. Its like bulletin boards with discussion forums, calendar, and file space, and the new YALSA Gaming Discussion Group has a community all it’s own.

To access ALA Online Communities:

1. Go to http://communities.ala.org.

2. Login with your username (ALA #) and password). Don’t have a password? For password help, go to: http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=Login&Template=/security/PasswordHelp.cfm

If you know your membership # go to
http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=Login&Template=/Security/NoPassword.cfm

(If you are REALLY in a pinch, try calling 1-800-545-2433 during regular business hours.)

3. After you’ve logged in, to locate the YALSA Gaming Discussion Group:
Click “Divisions” from the left menu
Click “YALSA” from the left menu
Click “Teen Gaming Discussion Group” from the left menu

Click “Discussion Forums” from the top menu

FOR MORE INFO:
After you’ve logged in, click “Documents”
Open the ALA Participants File:
http://communities.ala.org/DesktopModules/NOLModules/NOL.Modules.FileManager/FileManagerRoot/0/ALA_Participants.pdf

The original query about games has not been reposted yet but I did start to compile a list of responses – look under the Board Games forum and add your response: What card, puzzle and board games do YOU recommend for in-house collections?

~posted by Beth Gallaway