Get Your Game On: Gaming in Public and Academic Libraries

This session was presented by Crystal Rose, Public Services Librarian of Memorial University Libraries. Memorial libraries will be hosting their first gaming event in the fall, partnering with the student orientation group.

Gaming can involve a wide variety of games, including video games using consoles (such as Wii), handheld gaming systems such as DS, online games (including games for individual players such as Sudoku, and games for multiple players, such as role playing games), “analog” or traditional games (including board games and cards), scavenger hunts and geocaching.

Crystal suggested several reasons why librarians should consider gaming in the library:

• Gamers are not just a niche group; a recent American study indicated that 53% of adults play video games of some kind
• Gamers are not a homogeneous group; the largest demographic group of online gamers is women over 40, and the average age of online gamers is 35
• Games appeal to everyone from toddlers to seniors; some public libraries purchasing Wii systems for their seniors’ programs
• Video games are outselling DVDs and CDs, both of which are available in libraries
• ALA has held a Gaming, Learning and Libraries Symposium for the past two years
  

Several points apply to academic libraries in particular:

• Games can be used for library orientation
• Gaming can help the students view the library as being current and fun
• Gaming can attract students who might not otherwise come into the library

If librarians are interested in experimenting with gaming in the library, but are concerned about expensive equipment, Crystal suggested using board games or other low-tech alternatives, or having staff or participants bring in personal equipment to share for an initial session. If the session is successful, then the library could look at purchasing equipment. Her main point, however, was that librarians should give gaming a try, to see what it could bring to their libraries and their patrons.