This article is from the first edition of The Video Game Librarian website I published between 2008 and 2010. It was originally written on July 23, 2008.

Jessica Merritt has recently published an article at the Online Education Database entitled “Bringing Gaming (and Gamers) to Your Library: 100 Tips and Resources.” The list of tips is a fantastic resource for any librarian looking to add games or gaming programs to their library (and not just because links to The Video Game Librarian are paired with five of the tips).

Here’s a small taste of the tips and resources available, and be sure to read the whole article, I highly recommend it.

When libraries offer gaming programs, there’s often a very favorable response, but how do you go about getting started? You’ll need to know which games are the best, how to attract gamers, and so much more. There are many tips, resources, and tools that will help you figure out everything you need to know, and we’ve profiled them here.

16. Don’t forget adults: Library games and gaming events are often directed at teens, but keep in mind that many adults love to game, too.

29. Let your staff play: Break down resistance to gaming by getting your staff involved and having fun with gaming.

31. Be prepared for opposition: Not everyone understands the appeal of gaming, particularly video games, in the library, so you will find that you’ll need to defend your actions with academic discussions and statistics.

This article is from the first edition of The Video Game Librarian website I published between 2008 and 2010. It was originally written on April 21, 2008.

Library Technology Reports, a monthly magazine from ALA TechSource, has put out their April 2008 issue and the entire thing shines a spotlight on gaming in libraries.

The issue is titled “Gaming & Libraries Update: Broadening the Intersections,” and it was put together by Jenny Levine as a followup to a previous issue of Library Technology Reports she wrote about gaming in 2006.

“Gaming & Libraries Update: Broadening the Intersections” focuses on three main topics:

• Expanding the idea of “gaming” to include “big games” (scavenger hunts and other real world games) and board games.
• Expanding game programs to include those who don’t normally play games.
• Expanding gaming services to include things like fantasy sports leagues.

If you’re new to the whole “games in libraries” thing, or if you’ve been doing it for awhile and are looking for new things to try, this issue of Library Technology Reports is a must read.

This article is from the first edition of The Video Game Librarian website I published between 2008 and 2010. It was originally written on April 1, 2008.

The American Library Association has announced they are offering citation certificates to any library that uses games and gaming as “tools for learning, literacy development and community development.”

Each applicant much include a description (under 100 words) that details “how games and gaming of all kinds has had an impact on learning and literacy at [their] library. Be sure to highlight the library, organizer, the program, the participants, the staff, and the learning outcomes.” Applications are available online here.

The application deadline is Monday, April 21, 2008. The full rules can be found right here:

Just choose a category – recreation, education, or innovation – describe the program, initiative, or collaboration, and tell us why your nominee deserves to receive an ALA Presidential Citation.

• Nominations will be accepted from Monday, January 14, 2008 through Monday, April 21, 2008.
• Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of experts from the library field, the gaming industry, academia, and philanthropy.
• The winners will be announced at the 2008 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim.
• Dr. Loriene Roy, ALA’s 2007-2008 president, will present the citations during ALA’s first open gaming night at the 2008 Annual Conference.

Winners of the 2008 Presidential Citation will receive a certificate and be featured on ALA’s gaming website. Self nominations are strongly encouraged.

Good luck to all who apply.