Comments on: Gamey Librarians Ruin Our Country

By: more teens wanted

more teens wanted — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:19:03 +0000

If teens don’t get on board with liobraries then libraries die. Maybe they should die. But only of we can find someother logical place to house or provide access to the subscription databases.

In the future we will not need a “place” for people to go. Many libraries do not have patrons/users who actually show up.

I think that starbucks or any coffeehouse can provide the quiet sociability of a library.

By: Digruntledmother

Digruntledmother — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:46:57 +0000

As a mother, I cannot express my frustration more with local libraries taking up gaming. I take my children to the libraries to escape the gaming influence. I considered it a place to focus on more literary or informational pursuits. There was even a Hannah Montana party at our library. Hannah Montana? So, we are encouraging mass consumerism along with video game participation, which as you pointed out is not seen as a productive activity.

I love the book clubs and the visiting authors, but lets leave the arcade and mass media stuff in the stores.

By: Puma Librarian

Puma Librarian — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:29:58 +0000

“ampersand” = “&” not “@” (sorry… had to point that out)

First of all, if you’re going to point out errors, it is only fair (and helpful) to provide the correct term. In this case, it would be “asperand.” (Way more sophisticated than “at sign.”)

Secondly, I think it is wonderful and appropriate for libraries to introduce patrons to word games like Apples to Apples, Scrabble, Bananagrams, Password, Boggle and such. Very much in line with our mission to nurture literacy.

By: rcn

rcn — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:46:09 +0000

Although I’m not a fan of most video, board or related games, I advise everyone to run – don’t walk – to an Apples to Apples game near you. The game would be appropriate for library use wherever excessive laughter is tolerated.

RCN, San Francisco Bay Area

By: Frogger

Frogger — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:58:47 +0000

I like LINGO.

By: Library Cynic

Library Cynic — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:11:24 +0000

My local library did a Book Whino game. Every time a homeless person walks through the door, the staff yells out “WHINO!” The kids love it.

By: librarydude

librarydude — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:09:03 +0000

I can't be the only one who read the headline and noticed the spelling of library?

We all noticed it, just didn't think it was really worth wasting time to point out a typo.

By: McLibrarian

McLibrarian — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:25:26 +0000

I can’t be the only one who read the headline and noticed the spelling of library?

It is still library and not libary, correct?

By: anonymous children's programmer

anonymous children's programmer — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:36:04 +0000

So now we’re bashing all games in libraries, of any sort? One poster said that librarians used to just watch the kids play. Huh? How is that doing your job? Planning a program and running it is doing the job of a children’s librarian. And it can be fun AND have a purpose, too.
Last year I did a Book Bingo program. It literally was playing a game of Bingo, only instead of B12 or O69 it was authors and book titles that were called out. At the end of the program, one girl said, “I forgot about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory until you called it out. Is there a copy in the library? I think I’d like to read it.” Direct connection between playing a game in the library and taking out materials. Just because it was not a video game, was that any less “gamey”?

By: LibrarianDad

LibrarianDad — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:52:23 +0000

(translation continued from previous post… got cut off)

“The media is making too big a deal out of the negative impacts of gaming. They’re basing their articles on unreliable resources. It’s all silly nonsense. Game on.”

You’re welcome. Now, pardon me… I’ve got to go play some MarioKart with the patrons.