Games in the Stacks

M. Brandon RobbinsYoung Adult Services Coordinator

Wayne County Public Library

Games in the Stacks

For the past several years, libraries of all types have integrated games and gaming into their services, collections, and programs.

This is a good thing for libraries, as it brings in new patrons and keeps them in pace with current media trends.

However, this is also a good thing for gamers and the gaming industry.

About Me2005 Graduate of Mount Olive College, B.A. English

Currently attending East Carolina University, Master’s in Library Science

Employed at Wayne County Public Library since 2002, currently serving as Young Adult Services Coordinator

Frequent contributor to 8bit Library and Library Journal’s Games, Gamers, and Gaming blog.

Games and GamingHow librarians think:

Games: the actual media itself

Gaming: the act of playing of games

What Libraries Are Doing

Ann Arbor District Library was perhaps the first library to introduce games.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg library system built a library exclusively for children and teen services; games and gaming was a major draw.

Wayne County Public Library hosted its first ever Geeks and Gamers Festival in 2005.

More and more libraries want to add games and gaming to their services.

What Libraries Are Doing

Heavy focus on social gaming

Tournaments

All-ages appropriate games

Circulating games

National InitiativesThe American Library Association (ALA) supports games and gaming in the library.

ALA partnered with Verizon to fund ten libraries with $5,000 grants for gaming initiatives.

There is a Members Interest Group within ALA to help shape the future of games and gaming in libraries.

Open Game Nights at ALA Conferences to give libraries first-hand experience with games.

Why Should We Care?

Legitimacy

Access

Education

Advocacy

Legitimacy

Games as an art form.

Games as a viable form of learning.

Gaming as a way for the community to come together and build meaningful relationships.

Games as something other than a kid’s plaything.

Access

Almost no barriers to experience new games, either at gaming programs or by checking them out.

Will want to further explore the games we have.

Education

Libraries have “make your own game” workshops.

Librarians educate the educators on how games can be used in the classroom.

Advocacy

Librarians are fierce defenders and supporters of the First Amendment.

They are on the side of video game developers and publishers who stand against censorship.

They encourage responsible parenting and making informed opinions about determining entertainment choices for children.

We Can Work Together

Libraries need the support of their public to keep the doors open.

Support your local public library’s gaming initiatives.

If they don’t offer any, see what you can do to make it happen!

Thanks!

brandon.robbins@waynegov.com

(919) 735-1824 ext. 5116

level250geek

http://blog.libraryjournal.com/gamesgamersgaming

http://blog.8bitlibrary.com/