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January 9, 2009

2nd ALA TechSource Gaming, Learning and Libraries Symposium

Way back in November, during the frenzied weekend before Election Day, I found myself lucky enough to be winging my way to Chicago. No, not in the hopes of seeing Barack Obama speak, but rather to hear a number of other speakers. My Destination: the Second ALA TechSource Gaming, Learning and Libraries Symposium. There have been a number of detailed reports on this conference already. (Just try searching Google.) So, why am I writing at this late date, for all of you? Because there are a few key highlights I want to make sure get shared with New Jersey Librarians.

1. Pew Internet Report on Teens, Video Games and Civics
If you haven’t read it yet, please at least skim over it for a look at what, why and how teens play video games. 97% percent of teens play games, and 50% of them played "yesterday".

2. Grand Theft Childhood by Lawrence Kutner and Cheryl Olsen
Kutner was one of the keynote speakers and made connections between perceptions of violent video games and “moral panics” of the past. Remember how paperbacks used to be scandalous? I would highly recommend checking out the book.

3. GT System
A web tool for video game tournaments with easy brackets and scoring. Plus, there’s lots of potential for making connections with other libraries here with local, regional and national leaderboards.

4. Don’t forget the old school card and board games. Depending on your population they can be a bigger hit than the electronic options. All games can offer opportunities for complex thinking and building communication and social skills.

5. Even young kids can get in on the action with, particularly with easy board games and the Nintendo Wii. One game, Wii Music, requires and builds pre-literacy skills, rhythm and movement.

6. Games can also be a great jumping off point for reader's advisory. Check out Books for Gamers for ideas.

Does your library have a gaming policy? What about a game collection?
Gaming with kids and teens can provide endless possibilities for reaching children and teens, working with them and building community. Communities develop around games they way they have around the Harry Potter and Twilight books. World of Warcraft is just one example.

Public, academic and school librarians are all using games to make connections with their users. Is your library joining in?

--
Kristen Kirk
Ocean County Library

Posted by childrens at January 9, 2009 3:23 PM

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