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April 21, 2008
Libraries seek new ways to attract young people
Courier-Post Online APRIL 21,2008
By HILLEL ITALIE
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Looking for new ways to attract young people, more than three quarters of the nation's public libraries support gaming, including card games and online activities, according to a study released last week.
The libraries' response to gaming is another indication that the profession is aware of the needs and desires of patrons, American Library Association President Loriene Roy said in a statement included in the ALA's annual State of America's Libraries Report. The 24-page document came out last week during National Library Week.
Interviewed by The Associated Press, Roy acknowledged some resistance to gaming, citing a librarian from the Texas-based San Marcos Public Library who prefers to focus on books.
But she said most librarians believe that gaming fits an overall strategy to increase teen involvement, noting a nationwide trend of libraries forming teen advisory boards, devoting more space to teen centers and letting teens help with the design.
"We find that a lot of teens who come to the library to use games end up coming back to the library to use other services," she said.
Libraries have worked hard in the past decade to change their hushed image, and gaming is now a common event. In early March, about 30 teenagers attended a game night at the public library in Burlington, Iowa, playing "Guitar Hero" and "Wii Sports" among others. About 100 teens compete monthly at "Guitar Hero" at the Rochester Hills Public Library in Michigan.
"I actually know a lot of librarians who are terrific at "Guitar Hero,' " Roy said, adding that "people who come to play these games often can't afford them at home. And what better place to try these out than at a library?"
Roy cited gaming as a positive trend during a difficult time. In recent years, school libraries in particular have struggled to offer more services with less money. Average funding per student dropped from $19.14 in 1999-2000 to $13.67 in 2003-2004. Roy said financial support has probably decreased further in the past few years.
Posted by tumulty at April 21, 2008 12:26 PM
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