Game On - MaintainIT Project 1-Hour Webinar

The MaintainIT Project

Game On!Lori Reed

Employee Learning & Development Coordinator, PLCMC

Brenda Hough

Library Training Specialist, MaintainIT Project

For the audio portion of this discussion, you will need to use your phone.

Dial 866.740.1260 Access Code: 6339386*6 mute *7 un-mute

The MaintainIT Project Dial 866.740.1260 Access Code: 6339386

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Cookbook Book Club

Today we will discuss Gaming in Libraries from The Joy of Computing: Planning for Success


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Define: game


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“A game is a structured activity, usually undertaken for enjoyment and sometimes also used as an educational tool.”

-Wikipedia 2008

Define: game


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What games do you play? (check all that apply)

• Xbox/360• PS2/3• PSP/DS• Wii• DDR• Guitar Hero/Rock Band• Role Playing• Alternate Reality Games• Second Life• Board games• Puzzles• Card Games


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What’s the state of gaming at your library?

• We host regular gaming events and tournaments.

• We have held a few gaming events.

• We are planning to offer gaming events.

• We do not allow games of any kind in our library.


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Why Gaming?

Benefits to libraries?

Benefits to the public?


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It’s About Community

“During the course of my day, it’s my job to keep disturbances from occurring between patrons. Often, my presence in an area alone will keep situations from becoming combustible; especially working with children and young adults. A few weeks ago, I was patrolling the Tech Central area when I observed five young adult patrons having a heated discussion. As I walked to the area, it became apparent that the discussion between the teens was close to a full blown argument. The closer I walked, the better I was able to hear what exactly they were arguing about…


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…You had a Muslim, a Korean, a Puerto Rican, a West Indian, and an African-American kid arguing animatedly about who did what in a Super Smash Brothers tournament practice session. I also noticed that each kid had a smile on his face as he described his exploits in the game.

It occurred to me then, that I often see many kids day in and day out who are heading for serious trouble in their lives in the very immediate future. But on most days, I see kids doing things that put a smile on my face, too.”

Tommie FosterPublic Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County


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“We are brining people together and helping to bridge the gaps that exist between people. These include those of race, economic status, education level and age group. Saturday gaming events have homeless adults, playing with teenagers. It’s a way to bring the community together.”

Martin HousePublic Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County


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Not just for teens


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Why wii do it

“Gaming at the library isn’t just about providing entertainment.”

Jason Hyatt

Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County


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Getting Started

“Getting started is easier than ever before. It can be a chess club or inexpensive PS2s or Wii’s. It’s not about the glitz and glamour as much as it is about community and sharing an experience.”

Martin HousePublic Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County


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Planning

• Talk to your target audience.

• Create partnerships.

• If possible, borrow the games and the game consoles from local teens or a local gaming store.


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Other considerations

• Think about making formal competition part of your gaming events.

• Assess your game needs.• Be prepared for questions from parents

and other concerned citizens.• Be proactive with your publicity.


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Purchasing Equipment

• Consoles?

• Games?

• Wireless controllers?

• How many controllers?

• Extra TVs?

• Projector?


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Wisdom of the Crowd

“Gaming in Libraries is actually nothing new but the format has changed since we have grown up. Don’t feel like you have to be the expert of the game or the equipment in order to offer it as a service at your library. Think of yourself more as a guide and allow the knowledge and learning to come from the group.”

Kelly Czarnecki Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County


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Board Games

“One of the things I've learned a lot about during the last year is how much more interesting modern board games are. They're a lot more social (the same way modern videogames are), they're more interesting because they tend to require strategy more than just the luck of the dice, and they’re very different from traditional board games that just required you to move around a board.”

Jenny Levine a.k.a The Shifted LibrarianALA


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Other program ideas

Angela Craig

Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County


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Mark Your Calendars!

http://gaming.ala.org/resources/index.php?title=Ngd2008


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maintainitproject.org

The MaintainIT Project

For More InformationContact:

Lori Reed [email protected]

Brenda Hough [email protected]

Visit our website: www.maintainitproject.org

Education

Game On - MaintainIT Project 1-Hour Webinar