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After reading the article passed out in class, what are your thoughts on gaming as a teen program in the library? My first thought when I hear the word gaming is casinos and gambling. But I know that's not what they mean in this article.
Dr. CAT
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Posted by drcatblog101 on 2008-04-04 14:29:19 | Rating: | Views: 117
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The idea of gaming as a library service is new to me, but after reading about its pros, I would welcome the idea.
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Posted by PerkinsLIB5140
on 2008-04-05 16:04:52
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Gaming is something that I find a bit conflicting. If it were part of a larger effort to attract and retain patrons then I say go for it. However, there would have to strong effort to encourage patrons to branch out from just gaming within the library.
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Posted by cv75
on 2008-04-12 08:40:52
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The above post was mine. Forgot my name, Dr. Truett. Sorry.
Charles V. (cv75)
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Posted by cv75
on 2008-04-12 08:41:38
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Personally, I am not a huge fan of computer games; I think they are troublingly addictive, and there is some element of culture lost by their use. However, they are certainly a natural part of a youth's life, not just a fad, and it is ridiculous to assume that if we keep our eyes closed games will go away. In considering the article I realized two things: 1) games serve a function that seems to fall naturally under the umbrella of libraries, for libraries originally were established to serve the public's intellectual and entertainment pursuits in a cost effective manner; and 2)because of their popularity games are an excellent way to draw the youth back to the libraries (a nice solution to the problems discussed in the previous article). In fact, it apparently is working to draw kids back to libraries, for the youth flock to the local main branch every game night. ~Luanne
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Posted by fieldl
on 2008-04-12 14:54:09
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I never was a gamer growing up, but I understand that they are very popular. Like anything else they can be used as something negative and postive. There are library's that have gaming parties for teens that have read books. I think that is a positive aspect.
Elizabeth
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Posted by mcmullanea
on 2008-04-13 22:53:31
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I have seen how addictive gaming can be among today's youth, but at the same time, it seems to be part of our culture on some level. If there could be a happy medium within a library, I say go for it. The article stated it well in my opinion, "While it isn't necessary to schedule pilots around majaor events like you Team Summer Reading Program, Teen Read Week, or Teen Tech Week, I recommend it because you can promote other teen programs at the gaming pilots, enabling you to point to how gaming promoted other library services to teens." I think the key for a library would be to incorporate gaming, and hopefully in doing so, teens will be more aware of other library activities and services. ~ Samantha
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Posted by SamLand
on 2008-04-22 17:02:31
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my first thought upon reading this was 'have we really reached the point where we have to bribe children to get them into the library?' the authors make some interesting points, and i can see that gaming can be used to stimulate interest in other library activities/programs and be used as a platform to promote said activities, but i just can't say i'm a fan of the idea. it would be really hard to justify spending time and money (i am not sold on their economic benefits...simply being reusable is not enough of a draw in my opinion)for video games when that money can be put to so many other good uses. it seems liek a last resort, bribery if will, and implementing gaming in a library is tantamount ot saying 'we give up' and also degrades the library's message of literacy and education. i also question whether or not the types of games the library will acquire will draw in the kids-most popular games these days would be off limits at a public library, and gaming consoles are so prevalent in society that it would be tough to draw in kids who most likely have games at home already. finally, while they paint the prep work and supervision as an easy thing, i ma guessing that free games will be bring, if effective, a new element into the library, one that probably requires more supervision. the equipment, the behavior, the kids-all these things will be harder to monitor with gaming going on and i dont think its worth it.-john harrington, lib5140
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Posted by jmharrington5140
on 2008-04-24 23:02:14
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OK- I am NOT a fan of video games. My children do not have video games, and they are limited daily on the computer. I just want them to be more active and not so "into" these games. Literally I mean "into." Some kids can't get their heads out of them. I just feel the library is at the end of its rope when it has to use games to get kids in. OK- It does get them in. But in reality, the only reason they are there is to play games. I like the fact that they are actually being more social while waiting to play. Most of the game kids I have witnessed don't even realize that there are other people on earth unless they need food, drink, or money. My hope is that something better than just hanging out to play games comes out of it.
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Posted by jillmann1
on 2008-04-25 20:39:15
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I am torn with the idea of gaming in libraries. I know and have seen a lot of eduacational games that kids can enjoy and learn from...but I have also seen and heard about very violent, addicting games that have no positive effects on children. As a librarian, where do we draw the line? If we could block all access to certain game sites while still allowing children and teenst to play others, that is the best solution in my opinion. I realize the point in the article about using the games to attract younger patrons, but if it compromises the goals and mission of the library, it is going too far.
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Posted by AmyGalloway
on 2008-04-27 15:59:25
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I see positives and negatives here. I do think there is a downside to video games in general,like a lack of physical activity or violent themes, but I am not sure I believe the anti video game propaganda that tells us these games are going to cause tons of horrible things to happen to our children. I can't personally play the games worth a hoot, but a lot of these games are much more imaginative than the old school arcade games. You really have to use some critical thinking skills to get through these games and I honestly think they inspire lots of creativity. I recently saw a game based on The Golden Compass, too...so maybe these games based on books really could draw in reluctant readers. I think John made a good point about possibly needing extra supervision if you add this service. Also, I wonder if it wouldn't work to just give teens who are into non-video role playing games, like Dungeons and Dragons, a place to hold club meetings?
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Posted by vanessalail
on 2008-04-28 10:15:21
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It seems to be taking over everything. I understand the draw that libraries or public facilitates have toward catering to the gaming society. I feel it would be a great way to see younger teens and mid-aged adults back in the library. We must meet the needs of our patrons. If they want game nights and then literature or lectures on gaming we should accommodate. However, we should not loose site of our ultimate goal to provide patrons with literature in some form. So I would caution the person who overtakes this goal of gaming. It could be be ugly trying to see it happen in some libraries.
--- Nikki Jaynes
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Posted by jaynesen
on 2008-04-28 17:10:07
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The Henderson County Public Library has a pretty extensive series of game tournaments/game nights, and I've found myself thinking about this issue before. I really liked a lot of the points raised in the article--by developing a program with a lot of teen involvement, it does provide them with some agency in their lives and community, and it gives a sense of belonging in the library. I think, though, that this can be true of a lot of teen programs--gaming can be just an example. One thing that bothers me about our local programs, however, is that our YA librarian has game night and craft night and movie night and open mic night (and on and on), but she doesn't take the next step--to then use these activities to foster a love for reading and learning in the teens. It's great to provide a safe & fun space for patrons, but I think there should also be an effort to incorporate these activities into educational efforts. I did appreciate some of the anecdotes provided in the article, and I think it would be a good resource for a librarian trying to start a gaming program, but I agree with many of the above posters in that this event should be part of a larger YA program that incorporates many different activities and media.
--Tara Smith
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Posted by tjsmith
on 2008-04-29 00:10:10
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Well, I learned some things from this article, but I'm not particualarly pleased with it. "Video games are universally attractive and provide great SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES." ...Really? Social opportunities? Is sitting beside each other, slack-jawled staring at a screen a great social opportunity? I'm not saying there isn't value in some gaming. Of course there is, but this brings me back to my theory that some people believe the library should turn into Fun Depot. Unless patrons are really gaining some potentially valuble information through gaming, then why is it in the library? Do we really have to lure young people into the library with a dangling candy? It's great is a library has enough resources that they can have some gaming as a luxury, but I just hope it wouldn't be done in liew of something more educational.
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Posted by lymek
on 2008-04-29 09:35:56
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is there no way to edit? I meant in LIEU.
Posted by Lyme Kedic
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Posted by lymek
on 2008-04-29 09:39:19
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Gaming in public libraries is a inevitability that seems to most of us media personnel to be a curse. However, remember...today's student has to be coaxed to the book world...they are already deeply imbedded in the digital. Gaming should be allowed in libraries for a limited period of time, with the requirement that the students must pick a book from the new book display and attend promotional reading activities. Once again, look at the Charlotte Public Library site and check out what they are offering for young people. -Eric King
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Posted by kinge
on 2008-04-29 10:21:43
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I haven't read anyone's post, so forgive me if this is repetitive. This article bugged me. Sure, if you set up games in the library and let kids come in with their friends and play, they will come. That's a no brainer. But what happened beyond gaming? If your goal as a librarian is to fill the building, then great. If your goal is to encourage teens to read more and use the library more (beyond the gaming room), then nothing in this article persuaded me to think that gaming will accomplish this. One of the people quoted in the narratives said that they had a lot of kids sign up for the summer readin program, but the same person said that those who attended the gaming sessions were REQUIRED to sign up. Did they attend? Did they read the book? I do appreciate that this program brought librarians and young patrons closer together. It sounds like the program did a great job in making the library a more comfortable place to be for all involved. But it seems a little much for me. It would be like a church wanting to build attendance so they let kids come in and play games (I think Dr. Rob mentioned a church doing something like this, actually). So you get them there...is that the point? I'm not saying to to gaming, but I want to see where it has improved readership. And not because people are forced to check out a book in order to play a game.
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Posted by melodiegriffin
on 2008-04-29 13:41:40
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If the goal is to get the youth back into the library, then the gaming idea is a good one. However, the goal is to educate so the games would have to be chosen carefully, which might deter youth from coming in. My first thoughts were where would you set this up in the library and still be respectful of others who need the quiet of the library? This idea needs some further research, I think.
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Posted by libfender
on 2008-04-29 18:23:46
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I guess I can see both sides of this debate. I can see where gaming may seem out of place in a library... but I also get the idea that in order to draw in certain audiences, you may have to adjust the approach. And as the article mentions, adults are gamers, too,so ignoring gaming seems short-sighted in some ways. While not all libraries would be suited to this sort of thing. But a library that's having trouble increasing circulation and attendance in general may want to consider it. These days, it seems like drawing in the audience is the first step and keeping them there is the next. Why not use gaming to get them in the door and then find other ways to keep them there?
----Kate Whyte
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Posted by KLW70
on 2008-04-29 18:53:40
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A rather interesting idea to say the least.. and our church needless to say actually tried this a few years ago, getting several linked playstations and some mild games with a new youth coordinator. Sort of the same theory, get the kids there and then try to branch out... not with much luck. They youth who came for the food and fun, did not really want to participate in anything else.
I would be interested in seeing the results of this over time. Do the libraries that have these gaming systems have surveys or numbers regarding patron visits or circulation that show it has a positive effect on library use? on reading?
If it is anything like our church experience, libraries will definitely need increased supervision for this type of thing?!
FYI, I called the morganton Public Library to see if this is available around here... the only game type services avaiable is Magic Tree House Educational games available to patrons (under 16 free... with an additional internet use patron card- 16 and over for a fee each time they use the computers) along with internet research and word processing etc.
Christine Snow
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Posted by csnow
on 2008-04-30 16:55:22
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