We’ve all seen it before: kids gathered around a computer, playing the latest version of Minecraft or Tanki, squabbling for space as they swap tips and best practices (though they might not call them that).
Or maybe you’ve seen a motley crew of kids come running down your stairs after your weekly chess program, excitedly chattering about this move or that move.
No matter how you slice it, games have a place in libraries. The format they may take changes from month to month, library to library, but the fact remains the same: Libraries are a great place to game and learn.
On April 6-7, 2019, the American University Game Lab and FableVision Studios will host the Library, Games, and Play conference at American University in Washington, D.C. This IMLS grant funded conference will highlight and explore innovative, educational gaming in all varieties of libraries.
Library staff are encouraged to share their experiences using gaming in their library. You can do so on this page of the conference’s site. Any questions can be directed to Bob Hone, Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor, at rhone@american.edu. You can also take a look at the conference’s page to find additional details. If you can’t make it to the conference, that’s ok! You can still share your experience and contribute to this valuable dialogue.
This blog relates to ALSC Core Competency I: Knowledge of Client Group, VI: Programming Skills, and IX: Technology.
Alexandria Abenshon, Library Manager (and children’s librarian at heart) at the New York Public Library, is writing this post for the Public Awareness Committee. She can be reached at alexandrianabenshon@gmail.com.