GLLS2007: Role of Gaming in Libraries

Scott Nicholson, Syracuse University SIS

• 2nd part of "bearded white guy trilogy"
• lack of basic research in gaming and libraries
• study #1: "role of gaming in libraries: taking the pulse"
• study #2: "gaming census" - not out yet
• {i lost the game. but everyone wins one!}
• supporting gaming in library isn't anything new - had chess club etc back in the day
• almost half of libs surveyed supported board games
• about 75% support gaming/ about 80% let people play online on lib computers
• 44% of libs in survey 2 that supported gaming programs circulated games
• gaming in libs isn't just DDR, it is board games etc too
• 2,473 gaming programs in 2006 described/ 179 unique programs - lots of repeats because popular
• half of gaming competitive, more in academic libraries
  
• most programs console games: half of all programs DDR!
• why? mostly to provide some sort of entertainment, also support current users and attract underserved users/ increase role as community hub
• #1 single goal = bring in new users, entertainment is way down list of single most impt goals
• 77% of game program attendees came back for non-game related library services (more than used other services at time of game program)
  
• 73% improved social connections w/ friends
• 65% improved social connection w/ strangers
• entertainment not main goal, focus was on patrons

{he would ROCK as a teacher!}