The Case for Video Games in Libraries by Suellen Adams reminds us all that libraries are moving beyond just books. Despite what reservations Librarians may have about video games, we cannot deny their popularity- I mean 53% of all American adults and 97% of young adults can’t all be wrong.
Adams encourages us to think less about the negative characteristics of video games and more about how libraries can utilize video gaming as another opportunity to connect with our patrons. Stop with the excuses about video games being addictive, violent, destructive and huge time wasters. The same could be said about Martha Stewart housekeeping. Gaming can do more than just drawn large numbers of rambunctious young adults or seniors on Friday nights. More and more public libraries are discovering a second life as community and recreation centers in these tight economic times. Families are opting out of paying for Kindermusik or Gymboree for free weekly Storytime or Craft Club meetings at their local library.
Adams makes point to say that a well thought out video game program can also support education in addition to providing a safe welcoming space for social engagement, and bridging the gap between the technology haves and have-nots. I do not think that video gaming in libraries detracts from a library’s purpose either. If anything else it reveals another layer to our patrons about our own connections with technology and information literacies. Think about it this way, we are opening doors to welcome patrons that may not have considered coming into the library before…they may even leave with a book, magazine or DVD, too.
YellowDogsLibWeb 