Paper Information
| Title | Games in Libraries: Past, Present, and Future |
| Presenter(s) | Scott Nicholson |
| Session | From the Keyboard to the Game Board - Part 2 |
| Time | Saturday, October 11, 11:30a-12:30p |
| Location | Green Room |
| Format | Paper Presentation |
| Description | The goal of this presentation is to explore the past, present, and possible futures of games in libraries. As gaming has evolved, so has the library's support of gaming activities. Over 80% of U.S. public libraries now allow users to play Web-based games on library computers. Digital games, including music-based games like Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero, have become very popular additions to library gaming programs alongside tabletop games. Gaming programs have the potential to draw in groups of new users to the library by providing services relevant to their needs. In addition, they can help the library to be a safe and non-commercial space where members of a local community who may never cross paths otherwise may meet. Given the popularity of the Internet as a way to meet people from around the globe, opportunities to meet people that live nearby are decreasing. Gaming programs in libraries are bringing together people of different ages and demographic groups in social activities. What long-term impacts could this have, both on the library itself and on the community in which the library is engaged? These issues will be presented, supported by data from several surveys designed to understand the ways in which libraries have integrated gaming as a service. |
| More | View extended abstract |