Thursday
Aug022007
Top Ten Reasons for Games in Libraries
Thursday, August 2, 2007 at 07:44AM 
Ten Reasons for Games in Libraries
Just off the top of my head...
- Games get kids into the library who might not otherwise come in, increasing the likelihood of book check out.
- Games keep kids busy who might otherwise be disturbing other kids.
- Playing games gives teeth to the threat, "If you don't follow the AUP you will loose your computer privileges, library pass, etc."
- Games give kids practice with social skills.
- Game give kids practice learning strategy and logic.
- Games teach content.
- Games allow students to build reading and math skills.
- Looking for games and/or information about games builds research skills.
- Games build intergenerational conversations and relationships.
- Games build a positive association with school and libraries that might not otherwise be there for a lot of kids.
Three Reasons for Banning Games in Libraries
- Kids might be using resources (computers, chairs, oxygen) that other kids might need to do research.
- Kids might be finding school fun and we all know life isn't about fun.
- Games are against school rules.
Add your own, please!
(Check this post about 11 games that will make you smarter.)
Reader Comments (12)
11. Games improves reaction time and motor coordination skills
Love it! Thanks! I agree.
What about the bandwidth arguement?
Hi Adam,
We use a packet-shaper so can give games, streaming audio/video, etc low bandwidth priority. Not an issue for a good IT dept!
Doug
I dread picking my class up from the library because I often walk in to wild games of tag and other such mayhem. I'd far rather see them playing computer games, or better yet, card and board games. One year, during library time, a kid stuck his key in an electric outlet. Although I was secretly pleased by his inquiring mind, this wasn't a supervised science experiment.
12. You don't need to be a great reader or writer to be good at playing games. (Important point for kids with language based learning disabilities which improves their "standing" with their peers.)
(no relation to Adam by the way.)
Great post, Doug, and an intriguing topic. I think that ALA had some sort of event in Chicago recently about video games and libraries. I learned about it from Jenny Levine.
I might suggest another reason -- though I'm only speculating. But video games may well become a new literary category.
102 degrees in Raleigh right now!
Libraries need to keep up with the real world. I have found that to keep kids interested it is important to meet them where they are. My six year old grandson has learned so much from video games. He can read some of the really long Star Wars names and recognizes 1,000,000 when he sees it. Great post! He and I also enjoy putting together Star Wars lego kits. What fun.
Hi Betty,
Get him into the Dave Pilkey (Captain Underpants) website <http://www.pilkey.com/>. He will love you forever. My 6 year old grandson and his 2 year old brother both love it. Be prepared - it is geared for six-year-old tastes in potty humor!
All the best,
Doug
Although your post addresses recreational games, there is a growing movement toward using games in teaching. One example: Making History, a WWII simulation game that was designed (I believe) for the classroom by Muzzy Lane software.
I wanted to do a collaboration with a social studies teacher who was excited about the possibilities of using Making History in conjunction with "normal" teaching modes. The website was blocked by our district. I filed all the paperwork to get it unblocked. Our IT dept. doesn't acknowledge these unblocking requests, and there is no notice on the decision to block or unblock. Good grief, the form you have to send in is on paper.
Anyway, it's very discouraging to want to try innovative things and there is absolutely no support.
I'm a media specialist in a HS in the southeast, btw.
Hi Marcia,
Your blocking situation is opposite the way ours works. You have to petition to HAVE something blocked and sites are unblocked a professional's request.
We seriously need to bring an understanding of intellectual freedom and censorship to the technology folks!
All the best and thanks for the comment,
Doug