Tame The Web: Libraries and Technology

After our discussion Monday night in lass of Beck and Wade's "Got Game," it was nice to see this at The Shifted Librarian:

I think the social interactions and socialization that takes place around gaming are often overlooked as being something less valuable than when it happens around books. This is one of the reasons that (as with anything) you can’t truly understand the benefits of video games in libraries if you’ve never played them. It’s why I encourage regional organizations (like state libraries and consortia) to purchase a console in order for their member librarians to experience this. It’s difficult to have an informed discussion without the experiential learning aspect. It’s like deciding if a library should offer a book discussion without ever having read a book. Not everyone has to do this, but the folks involved in the discussion should be familiar with the subject, and they can learn from playing the same way seniors at the Old Bridge PL will learn.

Read the whole post here: http://theshiftedlibrarian.com/archives/2007/11/28/still-more-reasons-to-offer-gaming-in-libraries-and-the-value-of-play.html

Posted by Michael at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last night was our "Gaming in Libraries" session in my Library 2.0 course. We read some articles, discussed gaming programs in local libraries, and had some time for open play. Who knew that in library school you might get to do DDR? :-)

Thanks to the LIS768'ers who brought gaming consoles, handhelds and the like - and to those who showed others how to play various games.

Some folks explored Second Life as well, whiles others had a blast from the past with a rousing game of Asteroids. Thanks to Ruth for shooting the video. Photos to follow.

Posted by Michael at 08:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Let the (video) games begin!
Originally uploaded by Canton Public Library (MI)

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Evening teen panel moderated by Stephen Abram
Originally uploaded by American Library Association Publishing

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http://librariansmatter.com/blog/2007/07/31/gaming-in-my-academic-library/

Like many academic libraries, our library has just remodelled two floors to make a Learning Common. It is aimed at capitalising on the building as a social space - a place that creates a community of learners and provides a venue for students to hang out and (hopefully) do some self directed learning. We are opening part of it 24/7 and have soft drink vending machines, junkfood vending machines, comfy couches, a coffee shop…

People who know how to game know a lot about human/computer interfaces. They have an intuitive understanding of how to quickly read and understand a screen. Problem solving, creative thinking, and even teamwork in MMPOGs are developed via gaming.

Great post from Kathryn Greenhill. Glad to see posts like this and the discussions at the Gaming Symposium. Kathryn concludes her post with a mention of engagement and offering a place for students to take a break from their studies. Those are great reasons to explore gaming in the academic library setting.

Posted by Michael at 09:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I got a Wii for my birthday!
Originally uploaded by mstephens7

Posted by Michael at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

A blog post describing a teacher’s personal reservations about allowing students certain types of technology use, on a blog site that promotes technology and libraries may seem paradoxical, but here it goes. By the way, my name is Michael Westfall and I’m a media information specialist in a Chicago public elementary school and a Dominican University LIS graduate student. A big thank you to Michael Stephens for allowing me to get my voice out there. So here is my issue: I don’t like kids playing games on the computers in my library because I feel it is at the expense of the reading of books.

I’m not anti-computer, a killjoy, or a raving modern-day Luddite. I will admit to a little technophobia, but I really do enjoy working with my students on computers. We’re very fortunate to have a fully functional computer lab within our school library, and this year we’ve learned to make Power Point presentations in fifth and sixth grades, used clip art and word art in documents starting in third grade, and have begun typing in first grade. This type of engaged time on a computer is different for me than playing games because working in Power Point, Word, and Excel produces tangible products, something I can view, enjoy, and assess. The tangible product doesn’t exist after playing a game. In the give-and-take spirit that pervades modern day teaching, I have begun to allow game playing as a reward in the last few minutes of library time. I don’t force kids to check out books, but encourage it as strongly as I can. But frequently those books still sit there, ignored and untouched (especially by those in fifth grade and up), waiting for the attention I so strongly feel they deserve.

At heart I am a book person. It’s why I chose to leave general classroom teaching and become my school’s librarian. I’ve worked hard to find and add to the collection books that kids request or show an interest in, and I have been heartened by the reactions of many students to this throughout the year. But beneath my game racism – my gamecism – is a fear. What frightens me is that many of my students have significant difficulty reading and comprehending text online, whether it’s a Wikipedia entry, an advertisement, or even detailed directions for a game. Many of them just don’t seem to get that to use the internet you have to read. To me, this is life skills reading that in importance resides alongside being able to read street signs, food labels, and directions for how to assemble furniture from IKEA or Target. I believe my personal conflict raises a serious question: how to fully use limited school library time on two very different activities - building reading comprehension skills through engagement with books, or fostering the strategizing, problem-solving, and collaborative skills that gaming is supposed to aide in developing.

Posted by Michael at 05:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

http://ulatmac.wordpress.com/2007/04/26/immersive-learning-gaming-librarian-appointed/

News from McMaster University:

The University Library is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn McCann to the position of Immersive Learning (Gaming) Librarian. Shawn comes to us from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where he is the Digital Projects Librarian and has also held the position Web Librarian. Shawn’s official start date is August 1 2007. Shawn’s primary responsibility will be for exploring, creating, supporting and promoting library resources through gaming and virtual worlds. In particular, he brings strong technical skills; library experience; grant writing; classroom teaching experience; and, of course, a personal interest in gaming.

Thos are some cool responsibilities: Shawn’s primary responsibility will be for exploring, creating, supporting and promoting library resources through gaming and virtual worlds. :-)

Congrats Shawn!

Posted by Michael at 02:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jeff Trzeciak writes about gaming and libraries:

What does this have to do with designing better libraries? Well, quite a bit! All educators – including librarians – need to develop an understanding that technology has had a profound impact on how we act AND how we think. We need to develop systems that reflect how learners learn today. Libraries and library systems have traditionally taken a very linear and very text-based approach to accessing resources. This approach, it turns out, may actually be detrimental to the educational process.

The first rule of education is engagement. Games are by their very nature engaging. As a result, our users are turning up in these environments more and more often. They are there and we need to be there as well. So, my post is a question really….what is the library community doing about getting into gaming in significant ways? Who are the leaders in this area and what are they doing to make library resources and services more accessible through game environments?

And how is LIS education repsonding? Are we adding information about gaming programs to our courses. How does a thriving gaming program impact library management for example?

I think I'd like to hear Jeff and Jenny Levine chat about gaming, learning and the future of libraries. The "gaming power" alone might blow the roof off of the venue! It would be fascinating!

Posted by Michael at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

http://www.theshiftedlibrarian.com/archives/2007/04/01/if_youre_not_gaming_youre_losing.html

Jenny writes:

Erik and Jaap, our February visitors from the public library in Delft, Holland, returned home safely and quickly got to work putting together the 40-minute documentary they filmed about innovation in libraries, particularly around gaming. It premiered a couple of weeks ago to great reviews, and now they're working on an English version. Until it's ready, you can watch a trailer on the DOK website. Catch a glimpse of Michael Stephens wii bowling and Clare and me playing Guitar Hero. Cool!

AND they use the live version of "Big Love" from Fleetwood Mac's The Dance!

More from J:

Hit play when the trailer ends and you'll see their interview with staff from the Kankakee Public Library about podcasting.

Pictures of gaming at DOK here.

Well Done Jaap and Erik! You are missed here!

Posted by Michael at 07:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jeff Trzeciak the McMaster University Librarian writes:

I had a great time presenting to our Board of Governors on Thursday. I spoke about gaming and its impact on students today. It was a radical departure from the type of presentation they had received in the past. They seemed to enjoy it and asked lots of questions.

View or download the PDF: http://ulatmac.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/presentation1.pdf

Don't miss the Four Pillars of Transformation, data about games and gamers, insight into the student's media rich lives and Jeff's WoW vitals! :-)

Posted by Michael at 09:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am most impressed with Timothy Grieg's post about his research project for his Masters:

[My] project seeks to develop a framework for the ways in which game design and e-learning theories might inform the future design and development of library interfaces within virtual world environments by considering an example of an emerging online library, the Second Life Library, and the experiences of users and virtual librarians using the service.

Read his whole post here: http://timothygreig.com/archives/64

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AADLGT Prizes
Originally uploaded by *ejk*.

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Opening Week 027
Originally uploaded by acplyas.

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Don't miss:

http://silversprite.wordpress.com/2006/12/23/nintendo-wii-first-impressions/

John Kirriemuir ponders the Wii, and addresses library inplications and some library gaming innovators:

Because of the inspiring and thought-provoking nature of the games and gameplay, it’s an absolute must-get for any decent games research centre or group. If, in a few months time, an academic games research centre doesn’t have a Wii in a communal staff area, then it is questionable how serious they really are about video games and gameplay.

For libraries: there’s no question. If you’ve got a suitable corner where there’s not a problem if it’s a bit noisy, a tv and a couple of hundred pounds, then go for it.

I especially like the idea of research centers having one of the sytems on hand. In light of this in-depth post and Jenny's LTR Gaming in Libraries, maybe Dominican GSLIS needs some gaming systems on hand for classes and research.

Also, don't miss this: < a href="http://www.fas.org/gamesummit/">http://www.fas.org/gamesummit/ for more about games and education.

Posted by Michael at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just Arrived in My Mailbox
Originally uploaded by mstephens7.

Find out more: http://www.techsource.ala.org/ltr/gaming-and-libraries-intersection-of-services.html

Posted by Michael at 01:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timothygreigdotcom/sets/72157594410634966/

I met Timothy Grieg virtually (via Flickr!) when I gave a presentation in New Zealand in October vis the Web. Today, Stephen Abram let me know that Timothy had transformed Abram, Jenny Levine and I into "Miis." I have so much to learn about the Wii and Mii... Timothy writes:

One of the most exciting things for me about the Wii and it’s Mii characters is the ability to leave your Wii on and connected to the internet, even while it’s powered on. You can set your Miis to “Mingle” and they’ll wander off and visit your friend’s consoles!

This means that Michael Stephens, for example, may stop by to hang out at my friend Kezz’s Wii, and, if Kezz likes Michael (the Mii version, that is) he may choose to copy him to his own Mii collection. The Miis that you have in your collection then appear in the background, or as participants, in some Wii games. Of course, it makes all the difference in some of the Wii games where you have to pick Mii out of a crowd to be looking for familiar faces you created yourself!

So could Wii users send their Miis to a library Wii and have them mingle?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timothygreigdotcom/316963244/
:-)

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You have new Picture Mail!
Originally uploaded by The Shifted Librarian.

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Back in the Day - our winning crew
Originally uploaded by librarianne.

Posted by Michael at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

http://www.techsource.ala.org/pr/getting-game-your-library.html

New Issue of LTR Reveals Benefits of Gaming Services at Libraries

“What if traditionally apathetic library users were instead motivated to get up early on a Saturday morning and plead for library staff members to open the doors?” she asks in the introduction to this highly accessible report.

Lookout! Jenny's take on gaming in libraries, along with the case studies, will offer excellent evidence for starting a program in your library. I'm really excited to get this issue!

Posted by Michael at 07:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Via from John Kirriemuir:

Now - how do we get every library to install one of these…

http://silversprite.wordpress.com/2006/11/03/how-cool-is-this/

Posted by Michael at 05:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm looking forward to the next issue of Library Technology Reports! Jenny Levine will share insight and case studies for all types of libraries and gaming services.
my LTR cover
Originally uploaded by The Shifted Librarian.

Posted by Michael at 07:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kent Holaday emails:

Got this announcement for a new book from Harvard Business School press and thought you might be interested if you haven't seen it yet.

The Kids Are Alright: How the Gamer Generation Is Changing the Workplace
Think video games are kids' stuff? Think again. According to authors John C. Beck and Mitchell Wade, all those hours immersed in game culture have created masses of employees with unique attributes. This new generation that's 90 million strong has an amazing ability to multitask, solves problems creatively, and brings unexpected leadership to the table. But to tap these skills, we need to understand and appreciate the different ways gamers think and behave. The Kids Are Alright dispels common myths about gamers and reveals them as committed, team-oriented people who play to win.

http://hbsp.ed10.net/h/4V8FM/6AON2/82/B6O4J

Posted by Michael at 01:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

http://www.sjcpl.org/gameblog/?p=134

Posted by Michael at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rewriting job descriptions? Looking at your organizational chart? Offering gaming in your library? Don't miss:

http://ulatmac.wordpress.com/2006/09/18/8/

You see, there’s this guy whose name is Robert Gagne and he’s considered one of the “stars” of instructional design. Back in 1965 he published something called The Conditions of Learning. In it created a nine step process. This process has become known in the world of education as “Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction”. They are:

World of Warcraft does all of these. Not only does it do them, it does them well! It does it in an attractive setting; uses “cool technology”; encourages peer teaching and mentoring; and – more importantly – it’s just plain fun.

Jeff Trzeciak, McMaster University Librarian, spells out his desire to have a librarian that understands gaming and the implications in how gamers interact with systems. Couldn't libraries have similar affordances? he asks some enticing questions:

What if we could harness the technology behind World of Warcraft for use in libraries? What if we could create library systems that were more like World of Warcraft and less like Pong? Have we even created the Pong version yet?

I want a gaming librarian!

What about your library? Are you game?

Posted by Michael at 05:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As I posted a few days ago, I am eagerly awaiting Jenny Levine's Library Technology Report on Gaming in Libraries. Until then, read her insightful post "How Do we Measure gaming...":

Or do we somehow try to measure participation, like we do for the summer reading program or the teen advisory committee? Is there a way to equate the literacy of the number of books a kid reads in the reading program versus the literacy a kid needs to advance playing a video game? We don't measure the actual literacy of the kids participating in the summer reading program, just the numbers. We just hope the readers are reading and learning. Does starting with Dance Dance Revolution show the obvious physical benefits of gaming, allowing us to move the discussion to the mental and learning benefits of gaming?

In the end, though, whatever numbers we use, they blow away whatever else we're doing for teens. And for twenty- and thirty-somethings, too. For those libraries that run family game nights, true or false: your attendance numbers for these events rival or better your storytime numbers?

Posted by Michael at 01:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From Joy, one of my summer session students, comes this link:

http://www.library.uiuc.edu/gaming/

Great resource for those interested in gaming in libraries and the News area has an RSS feed. Personally, I am eagerly awaiting the October release of Jenny Levine's Library Technology Report "Gaming and Libraries: Intersection of Services." Jenny's take on gaming in libraries is most insightful and I believe her future view is most clear. Be ready folks, for more and more gaming in libraries.

Posted by Michael at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

http://webjunction.org//do/DisplayContent?id=13796

Fascinating article at WJ about Carvers Bay library and their gaming program -- take a look for inspiration!

Located next to the middle and high schools, the library is physically convenient for the Carvers Bay teens, but director Dwight McInvaill knows that it takes more than proximity to get the kids through the doors. Gaming is the key. The library has extended its hours until 7 PM most nights to accommodate the students’ schedules. However, McInvaill intends for the new library to have an impact on the low literacy and high dropout rates, so he’s applying a few rules to the video game lure, linking reading with gaming. In the spirit of the game, kids can aspire to different levels of accomplishment.

Points are earned by doing at least one of the following:
writing book reports
attending an after-school program
participating in a youth service organization
embracing other positive, self-improvement activities

Posted by Michael at 01:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I totally missed that ITI put up my article about Gaming Symposium as FREE! Thanks ITI!

http://www.infotoday.com/MLS/mar06/Stephens.shtml

Posted by Michael at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lcls/sets/72057594066097750/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sjcpl/104303715/in/set-1538496/

Posted by Michael at 08:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Michael Sauers reports on a flickr find of yet another "not Library 2.0" sign.

http://www.travelinlibrarian.info/2006/02/not-library-20-again.html

Excuse me, but... well., you know the drill. Turn em off now and how will they vote on the big library tax bill in ten years?

At SJCPL, I've helped a couple of young fellows actually SAVE THEIR WORK to their PSP!

Posted by Michael at 05:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Blyberg writes about gaming at AADL (and Eli!):

AADL's Gaming initiative "is one of those programs that I still shake my head at in disbelief, because it has been such a staggering success born out of such unorthodox ideas. If you’re looking for evidence that the role of today’s libraries is changing, look no further.

That's what we need more of, folks, unorthodox ideas in the library. The return on this investment? It's precious:

And that’s what draws in the kids. They come in knowing that they are going to be part of something big. These tournaments are their opportunity to shine in a venue that validates them and gives their interests legitimacy. I think Eli says it best, “If you don’t offer them something that has value to them now, you’re going to be irrelevant to them for the rest of their lives. It’s not a risk we can afford to take.”

Posted by Michael at 01:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26121445@N00/sets/1538496/

After the Allen County Public Library Tour match, we had our first exhibition on Saturday. I love that these pics went into the library's flickr stream.

Here's the SJCPL Game Blog coverage!

Posted by Michael at 03:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Crystal from Kansas City Public Library just asked "Where do I find the list of bloggers in the back row?"

Here goes:

Aaron: Walking Paper

Chad: Hidden Peanuts

Chris: Clam Chowder

Jenny: The Shifted Librarian

Kelly: Library web Diva

Michael TTW

AND: The Technorati Tag: http://technorati.com/tag/GaminginLibraries2005

Posted by Michael at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the grand tradition of Abram-isms:

"We need to stop thinking we are Information Priests and Priestesses..."

"If you wrap something up in the mantle of training, you're going to turn them off..give them short cuts instead..."

"Nobody ever died of bad cataloging..."

"We need to get over the fact that libraries are not the first place people go for information and never have been...we need to be something else."

On change in Libraries: "We need to appeal to different learning styles..."

"IM is the way people are communicating today..we need to use it."

"Bring Digital Natives into your planning process (even if they don't have an MLS)..."

"Let's try things..."

Posted by Michael at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm sitting in Blogger's Alley, listening to George Needham from OCLC talk about gamers and libraries.

But inside I'm marvelling at what is actually happening in this room, in Chicago, in December of 2005. This is a moment of watershed proportion. I truly believe that.

These are the conversations that need to be happening - now. These are the services and technologies that need to find their way into our meeting rooms, online presence and into our catalogs. Can you imagine the future ILS that includes components of gaming environments? Can you imagine library signage and services developed for all types of learners, including the non-print learner? Can you imagine a librarian as guide (with an avatar) appearing to help a user navigate the online information the library provides. I hope so.

There is a load of blogging going on here, and presentations will go up soon at http://www.gaminginlibraries.org. Pay attention. Download. Read. Discuss with your staff.

Finally, this needs to be said: We should all thank Jenny Levine for having the foresight and brilliance to make this happen. She and her colleagues at the MLS (Kathryn and others) have created a very special moment in time that will define what happens next for gaming in libraries. The folks assembled here as speakers are at the top of their game and the folks listening and takingnotes and blogging have a mountain of evidence and techniques to go forward.

Readers, pay close attention to gaming and libraries. The time has come.

Posted by Michael at 09:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/gaminginlibraries2005/

Posted by Michael at 03:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Les Gasser, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, opened the Gaming in Libraries Symposium. This spoke to me:

"Libraries need to adopt a new model of service: where we are stirring up society, enhancing learning and contributing to communities of practice. Gaming offers this: a way to learn and participate in open communities, how to interact with the world and collaborate....We need to move our services into gaming environments, virtual spaces, and out into the community."

Posted by Michael at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The official tag of the day: gaminginlibraries2005

Chad at hidden Peanuts already posted to flickr: Photos from Hidden Peanuts

And the room has wifi!

Posted by Michael at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'll be at the Gaming Learning & Libraries Symposium this week. If you're attending say hi and don't miss the meet up Jenny has organized.

http://www.theshiftedlibrarian.com/archives/2005/12/02/gaming_in_libraries_symposium_prenotes.html

Posted by Michael at 02:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

the set up
Originally uploaded by librarianne.

Posted by Michael at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While I was in Chicago, things really ramped up on the SJCPL Gaming front. I am happy to announce here at TTW that my library is implementing a gaming tournament program as well as a complimentary online presence allowing interactivity between the game organizers and the gamers we seek to serve.

First: Read the Lifeline post about Gaming! "P" lays out what's happening.

"Starting in January of next year, the Main Library will be the site for video game tournaments featuring Mario Kart: Double Dash, Nintendo's infamous multiplayer racer. Gamers will be able to play against each other using one of eight different Game Cube Stations hooked into each other for eight-man multiplayer mode. Our Grand Tournament is open to anyone in grades 7th to 12th, and our Open Plays are for anyone."

Then, zip over the the Official SJCPL Game Blog: http://fmcwp.sjcpl.org/gameblog/ where we have official SJCPL Game Bloggers and Commentors (our users, thank you).

Note that we are using images for the bloggers. I said every chance I could at CPL that we need to put a face on our services! Well done Maire, Julie and the gaming team!

Posted by Michael at 07:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Via Maire, who gets it:

http://www.aadl.org/node/629

registration is now open for AADL-GT Round 2, happening this Saturday, September 24th, from Noon - 5 PM in the Basement of the Downtown Library. Doors will open at 11:30 for players in grades 6-12, so be early to get checked in and start warming up. Winners of the Sur-Prize round game will take home $70, $50, and $30 giftcards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. We'll have single-player and team events in both Mario Kart Double Dash and Super Smash Brothers: Melee, and the event will (really this time) be broadcast live on Comcast channel 18 in Ann Arbor, so be sure to bring a signed release form if you haven't turned one in before. We'll be implementing several enhancements this round, including smoother, faster registration & check-in, split-screen single player Kart for more races in less time, checkin and food and tables outside the room, and definitely more pizza. Read on for more.

We'll also be having an All-Ages DDR Tournament, Sunday Sept. 25th, from 1:00-4:00 at the Malletts Creek Branch. Open Gamecube play will be available, and prizes are $40, $30, and $20 giftcards.

Take a look for two reasons: AADL gets gaming and they do it well. Wowza. But also note the CONVERSATION occuring between the library and the gamers. This is important. If conversations like this play out between libraries and users - in human voices as well -- watch out! This is Cluetrain stuff of the utmost importance.

AADL, rock my world forever, ok?

Posted by Michael at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Survey respondents "who had grown up playing games reported sharply different attitudes about the very foundations of business: risk, achievement, the vaule of their experience, their own capabilities....Without question, the game generation is already having business impact far beyond the Internet. The effects of video games in our economic lives will soon be hard to ignore. Firms (substitute LIBRARIES here) that "get" games will unlock assets at every level of their workforces. Firms (LIBRARIES) that don't will wonder where all their best employees (and patrons) went."

This was a big "aha" moment for me.

Posted by Michael at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)