The human cheat code: librarians

I just read a thoughtful article on gaming in libraries from Government Technology Magazine's February edition. It's no surprise to most that gaming has entered libraries in a big way, but still, I continue to hear murmurings of how gaming isn't a proper use of a library, or of a librarian's skills.

That's why I so enjoyed the theme of "Libraries Level Up" (pdf): how libraries are a place to play AND learn, in forms both low- and high-tech, including reader's advisory, research, and games, both computerized and cardboard-ized. Games offer a litany of learning opportunities: story-telling, teamwork, memorization, information literacy, critical thinking, the list goes on. And don't forget the fun-factor: learning can be fun!

The benefits of gaming programs don't start and end with learning. Just last week, I heard Kieran Hixon from the John C. Fremont Library (CO) talk about gaming in his library during a BCR webinar. He talked about how succesful their first gaming tournament was, and how much of the technology was borrowed from patrons. What a great way to truly connect the community to the library, while aiming to keep costs low. No doubt the community members who offered their gaming technology felt invested in the library's programs, and proud that they were able to help out.  Photo from pdf article on govtech.com

And don't forget about board games! With all of this talk about computerized games, remember that board games are still relevant, and they're relatively iinexpensive, easy to learn, and a snap to maintain--broken board? Duct tape to the rescue! 

Lastly, the article's author considered how the goals of gamers and of patrons are linked in a library:

"When gamers get stuck on a level, many seek help by reading a walkthrough guide online or plugging in a cheat code. At libraries, when browsers get lost, they also get help from someone who knows where to go and how to get there: a librarian, or as Levine says, “the human cheat code.”

For more information about gaming in libraries, read an article in the MaintainIT Cookbook: http://techsoupforlibraries.org/cookbook-3/innovation/gaming-in-librarie...