The American Library Association (ALA) has designated November 14th as National Gaming Day. The ALA is encouraging libraries around the country to integrate video games into their collections, and to hold events to bring people out and to learn a little bit more about their favorite games.
The ALA president, Dr. Camilla Alire, says, "We have found that by adding board and video game formats to library collections we are providing users with tools to build strong literacy practices while sharpening technical and critical thinking skills." They also hope that video games that include historical figures and events will boost interest in history.
It's always nice to see gaming put in a positive light, especially from a group which might see video games as a detriment. Many complain that video games stop people from reading books, and while I don't believe games are the culprit, I like seeing that libraries are willing to add video games to their collections. I think that if it takes off, it may help libraries in the long run.
But they could if they show up at a participating library.
Interested in checking out National Gaming Day? Look at
this nifty Google Map to see which libraries near you are participating.
URL:
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE5AB1KF20091112?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews&pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=11604Have you gone to one of these events, or are you planning to? Do you think that video games belong in the library?
But they could if they show up at a participating library.
Comments (4)
I think it's pretty sweet. Many are so quick to blame and put down video games (and I'm not saying there aren't disadvantages, because there are), but there are definite advantages to playing them! Here's to hoping this initiative leads to better things in the future!
My library has always had video games, but they are all ancient PC games for little kids, like Freddie Fish, Carmen Sandiego, Reader Rabbit, etc. I think it's a really good idea to expand their collections to bring in the late teens/early 20s part of the community. Mine didn't participate, but several libraries in the county did (which means several libraries in the same system.)