Video games can cause debate not only in the effects of violence, but also in whether or not they should be used in schools and libraries. With some people’s negative views of video games it can be hard to defend using library funds and space for games. There is quite a bit of research that defends the value of video games, and could be used to back up a decision to incorporate video games into a school or public library. Gaming promotes literacy, by needing problem solving skills, making hypotheses, etc., as well as often requiring quite a bit of reading to play the game. For example, Pokemon games can have lots of text that must be read carefully. MMPOGs (massive multiplayer online games) promote literacy as well. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studied the learning that takes place: “‘[MMPOG] play is a thoroughly literate activity involving manipulation meaning and achieving particular ends.’ Some of the literate activities taking place in MMPOGs are ‘researching equipment, making maps, managing resources, investing currencies, building models, designing strategies, debating facts and theories, and writing.’”(Quoted by Faris in Children & Libraries, UIUC Ebscohost article here).
On The Shifted Librarian Blog, Jenny Levine has posted quite a bit lately about whether gaming promotes Reading, How Gaming Promotes Reading and Library Usage, and How School Libraries Can Use Board Games. These give anecdotal evidence and quantitative examples of how libraries can use games to bridge to literacy and publicize the library for teens. School Library Journal's Digital Reshift blog also recently posted obvious reasons why your library needs a Wii, and 10 Reasons Why Your Library Needs a Wii (Part 2).
By introducing games in libraries, the libraries attract a part of the population that otherwise would not be served, increase the library’s role in teens’ lives and serve as more of a community hub. Video games may draw teens into the library, and then librarians can work to connect with them in other ways, too. There are Last year, at the Chadron Public Library in
I think another important aspect of reaching underserved youth is for potential service later. Teens might not be interested in or not have time for recreational reading, which is what many library users think is a very important service of the library. Teens might not choose to read at that point in their life, but if they have a good relationship with the library they might use it for other things later on.
A few weeks ago in class, Carol mentioned the historical core foundations for libraries’ existence: collection/preservation, organization, and access. These reasons for libraries also relate to a young adult librarian and his or her role, and gaming can easily fit into and reinforce each of these roles.
The young adult librarian should build a collection of material that includes vibrant quality material that is relevant to teens. This includes not just books but music, audio books, magazines, and movies. Incorporating games into the library’s collection includes gaming magazines (like PlayStation: The Official Magazine), manga series that have crossovers (like .Hack), and other books that relate to video games.
Of course, the youth librarian should organize the collection so youth can easily find material without frustration. However, just organizing or decorating a cool teen space is a good start but not enough. They need to relate to young people and welcome them to the library. This includes respecting young people and providing services for them: helping them with information needs, research, and recreational needs. Traditionally recreational needs meant helping young people find books, but this idea can include a lot more. Just like a knitting program or craft program can bring a group of people together using the library as a social space, a library game event provides a safe, fun environment for kids.
The idea of access also can be related to using games in the library. Teen librarians can set out the gaming magazines and related books in an easily seen location, like right by the computers if a lot of teens come to use them. Posters and fliers about gaming events could be placed there. It also should include other interactions with young people to help get to know them more. Related to this, the young adult librarian should create and facilitate programming for teens that is also relevant to young people, which will encourage them to come to the library.
I think different libraries are at vastly different ends of the spectrum in their views and knowledge of using gaming. I don’t have any experience using it and am not working in a library now, but would be excited by the potential of incorporating it into a youth services program. What kinds of experience have you had?
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