Gaming works. Here are 3 local, wildly different libraries that responded to patrons to create gaming and have responded to the positivity it creates.
Amy Tyle, Homer Public Library
- Gaming events bring in kids who otherwise did not come in, many checked out other things.Open sessions attract kids who won't do tournaments and vice-versa.
- Change settings/levels/open up memory.
- Buy extra equipment and test it every time. DDR Pads are $20 on ebay. Wii, lots of batteries and space needed. Some games come with remotes.
- Tables, chairs, food, board games, leftover craft projects
- Costs less than presenter or electronic database. Good source: Red Octane who publishes Guitar Hero.
- Borrow, shortlist, share.
- Publicize thru TAC, schools, posters, press releases, blog. Expand to kids, adults.
Large events, tournaments are best for big populations. 32 finalists, 70 spectators.
- Qualifying rounds, take highest scores for tournaments (make brackets in Publisher, print on 11X17 posters).
- 3 rounds held over 3 months. Perfect amount of time. Tried & True.
- Keep track of scores on a spreadsheet.
- Prizes are a must. Best buy cards, coupons for local stores, etc.
- Chess tournaments. 2 qualifying rounds. Opponents selected at random. Earn points for wins. This can be all ages.
- Bag-o, like horseshoes.
- Game On -- good practice for tournaments.
- Family DDR, Preschool game day, good use of teen volunteers.
- SRP final game showed increase of finishing rate by 10% very first year.
- Open play sessions any day off.
- Friends of the Library love these events, show them that they are good to support.
- Can rent, then show attendance and get funding that way.
- Local charities may support this. Kiwanis for kids' programs, fit the program to the mission of the particular charity.
- Teen writers club. For after TAC?
- Summer board game design contest program. Cheap, easy to do. Posterboards, markers.
- Gamestop sells used games with warranties. Gamecube $40 Ps2 $80.
- Gamer's group began due to teen request. Only 7 per session. Stick to E through T ratings. They come for social component. Multiplayer games are best for this.
- MySpace, blog, wiki, helps gamers interact, comment, set up groups, Flickr, 2.0, podcasting and videocasting can be done as well.
- DeVry has gaming/design simulation. Guest speakers will come.
- Intergenerational Wii tounrament.
- Always play along!
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