Top Ten Reasons for Games in Libraries

Ten Reasons for Games in Libraries

Just off the top of my head...

1. Games get kids into the library who might not otherwise come in, increasing the likelihood of book check out.
2. Games keep kids busy who might otherwise be disturbing other kids.
3. Playing games gives teeth to the threat, "If you don't follow the AUP you will loose your computer privileges, library pass, etc."
4. Games give kids practice with social skills.
5. Game give kids practice learning strategy and logic.
6. Games teach content.
7. Games allow students to build reading and math skills.
   
8. Looking for games and/or information about games builds research skills.
9. Games build intergenerational conversations and relationships.
   
10. 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

1. Kids might be using resources (computers, chairs, oxygen) that other kids might need to do research.
2. Kids might be finding school fun and we all know life isn't about fun.
3. Games are against school rules.

Add your own, please!

(Check this post about 11 games that will make you smarter.) 

So why are we so uptight about Internet gaming?

Being busy at work and busy at home preparing for workshops has left little time for blogging. Thank goodness, Adam Janowski, Library Media Specialst at Naples (FL) High School, has taken me up on a standing invitation to guest blog. Check it out below. Help Adam answer the question: So why are we so uptight about Internet gaming in our library media centers? Thanks! Doug

 
I have been asked to write article about Internet gaming in high school library media centers by Carol Simpson.
 
I had posted a query on LM_NET about the subject.
 
We had banned games except Chess, ostensibly as there was a Chess Club on campus, now long gone.
 
Our biggest violation of rules last year was on the playing of games, most innocuous, and sometimes we turned a blind eye to ESE students who had been introduced by their teachers to games on the Disney Channel.
 
We have never had a problem with violent or sexual games.
 
We have noticed that teachers who use our lab, do not police our game policy.
 
So why are we so uptight about Internet gaming?
 
A recent query on LM_NET brought about an almost resounding "NO" to games, except, perhaps, at lunch or after school.
 
A lot of the responses dealt with bandwidth or needs to keep computers available for research.
 
But we are blessed with 50+ standalone stations and an additional 15 wireless laptops that can be used anywhere in the LMC. There is no way our staff can be the Internet police.
 
I asked for District guidance on the issue and there is no policy. It is left up to local school administrators and the library media center staff.

We often have over 200 students in our library at lunch. I have never had a problem asking a sudent relinquish there computer if they were just browsing or reading their EMail to a student who had to complete a school project.
 
I think it's time to let the prohibitions against Internet gaming go.
 
What are your thoughts? Feel free to post this message on your blog.
 
Adam Janowski, Library Media Specialst
Naples High School