GLL: What libraries can do for gamers (other than programming)

What libraries can do for gamers (other than programming)

Seven things you can do tomorrow to make your library more welcoming to gamers

1. use games to do readers advisory this is an awesome idea!
   


2. be a strategy guide


3. embrace your inner technogeek


4. be flexible


5. plan change


6. immerse yourself in pop culture—especially video game culture


7. try some games

libgaming.blogspot.com

(Beth's blog)

also lists info about what other libraries are doing in programming

1. ask what movies do you like, what tv shows do you watch, what games do you play?

Do we have manga-illustration guides? cool we do! have an anime-illustration guide too!
Do we have dungeons & dragons players handbook 3.5 (“advanced” is old version)
Wizards of the coast (free kit for library to do D&D)
http://www.wizards.com/

gaming mazagines – much cheaper when you subscribe
buy a few different titles, display for about a month, then do a survey
avg age of gamer is 29 and rising (most ads are geared at older, not kids so you may want to preview them before choosing titles for your library)

1. be a strategy guide. Don’t be a level boss. Show don’t tell, make it interactive, get them started, ask a lot of questions, (ask if you can drive, before you touch computer, or even better, place your hands behind your back and talk them through it.) get them started, then let them know you’re still available if they need more help, but walk away. (time management) have a free-for-all. Ask for a demo of expertise. (have the users teach you!)
   

Julie from Columbus Ohio PL. Computer reservation, printing, etc. Had to train people. Over summer, she picked teens, did a handbook, how to do customer service, how to use print management system. They work 2 hour shifts after school & Saturdays, Tech Teens. They help patrons save to disc, help reserve computers, help print their jobs. “Volunteens” Helps free up the reference staff from answering the tech issues. I love this idea!

1. Embrace your inner technology geek. Upgrade as soon as you can, get a screen name, you can’t break it (so just try it), pilot projects, read tech news. Remember it’s a mobile generation. 42% adults, 75% teens use IM

Evdb.org events database? http://eventful.com/

1. Have TAB collage a table? Say yes. Go meta. (minute details & bigger picture)

5. plan change—sticky content: web, facility
accept change, plan

6. teen vogue, maxim, daily candy (boston) daily email of what’s hot, VH1, pop goes the library
link to video game sites, link to some cheat code sites?

Free movies delivered to my door? Alternative to netflicks



Bz flag (multi-player tank game) for LAN party
Book called “LAN party’

Beth Gallaway informationgoddess29 [at] gmail [dot] com

She's currently writing a book on gaming in libraries for Neil-Schuman press. Success stories—send her yours for inclusion in the book!

tag: gaminginlibraries2005