Libraries, Meet Gaming!
Via Jenny Levine's 'The Shifted Librarian' blog, we have joyful proclamation that the 'Gaming and Libraries: Intersection of Services' report is now available for purchase.
Unfortunately, the American Library Association report costs money ($63, to be exact!), but it looks highly interesting: "Numerous detailed examples of what libraries are already doing—including public, school, and academic libraries—provide Levine the springboard to illustrate how librarians can reap positive gains by proactively, creatively, and (above all) affordably integrating gaming into the services and programs already offered at your library. The case studies reveal that gaming programs often turn out to be among the most popular a library can offer. “I have yet to hear about a library of any type offering gaming that has received negative feedback from patrons,” Jenny notes."
It's also noted: "The issue covers video game consoles (e.g., MicroSoft's Xbox 360, Nintendo's GameCube, and Sony's PlayStation), computer-based games (e.g., Myst, The Sims, Civilization IV), and Web-based games (e.g., Bookworm and PopCap Games) as well as some of the common gaming-equipment setups/configurations in libraries. " Oddly, I did a semester towards a MLIS when I was switching from game development to writing about games, so I like to think this would be the kind of stuff I would be doing, had I got a degree.
Comments
Yay! I actually just finished my first semester toward an MLIS. I am really hoping that I can do some gaming-type stuff in my library career. Also, I am hoping that I can have a library career.
This leads to something I've been wanting to ask, but haven't: you mentioned that you were involved in the DMCA exemption for game backups. Could you tell us more about that? Like, for instance, how libraries can take advantage of it?
Thanks!
Posted by: 20XX | December 19, 2006 2:48 PM
As a librarian and a gamer, I'm glad to know that you, Simon, once considered this path.
For "20XX" there is a wide variety of research and application out there on librarians using games both in public and academic libraries. There is a lot of activity on it for public libraries. And academic librarians (like myself) are doing more and more with using games to teach. There is a lot we can do with games to increase engagement and motivation of our students.
I'd be happy to talk more with you about the topic. Either email me or stop by my blog.
Posted by: DBQ Hams | December 19, 2006 11:44 PM