gaming

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Gaming in Libraries

Articles:

Gaming in Libraries and the Next Generation of Media Literacy

By: Monica Grimm, Adult Services Librarian, Fayetteville Free Library

Library services are ever changing and expanding to meet the greater needs of the community and serve as a center for creative learning and technology including media literacy. Gaming has become one of these services that libraries are using to enhance media literacy. Gaming can include traditional board games, internet based computer games and console games such as Nintendo Wii. Libraries are developing lifelong users through gaming programs. Library gaming programs create a comfortable and inviting environment to encourage participants to enjoy spending time in the library. Gaming in libraries help build community, demonstrate your library’s relevance to a different audience and allows libraries to bring content directly into the users hands.

There are many aspects of gaming that promote cognitive, social and educational values. Cognitive, social and educational benefits of gaming include the development and strengthening of: information processing, pattern recognition, multi-tasking and physical coordination skills. The public wants to be challenged and gaming promotes a willingness to experiment and motivation to continue trying. Gaming also offers foundations for media literacy skills, learning and knowledge; it teaches strategic thinking, rapid information acquisition, analytical thinking, information synthesis and self direction.

Creativity, community and collaboration are at the heart of gaming and learning. Games help people become creative problem solvers; games are focused on feedback, improvement and constant practice. Gaming can effectively cultivate assets like positive peer influence, adult role models, cultural competence and self esteem.

Gaming programming is not limited to youth services. Many adults are active participants in gaming. Gaming in the library will allow them to do something that they can no longer do (ie: Wii bowling or golf) due to health issues. Gaming can also improve different types of mental and physical skills that are otherwise difficult to engage in other ways. Finally, gaming can create opportunities for members of different generations to come together and interact, thus improving the library’s role in the community.

By hosting a gaming program, the library will be reaching a new audience, getting them excited about the library and keeping them coming back for more. This type of outreach offers yet another opportunity for a positive social experience for families at the library. Games are being used as resources to support creative expression as well as to encourage the development of skill sets that are useful across many different contemporary disciplines. Further, gaming is a timely addition to the library’s progressive service offerings. (appeared in the April 15, 2008 OCPL Update/D.Headd)

How Gaming promotes reading and library usage (blog post on Omaha World-Herald article.)