Library Stuff

Kotaku: – “I think overall the answer to the question, at least in regards to the games they are playing, is not really, but I think we should all lie and make it seem like the children are smarter just so we can stop by our local libraries and play Guitar Hero in the future”

1up: – “[W]e bow down to the inevitable future of Halo-savvy librarians”

New York Times – “And you thought libraries were supposed to be quiet. Not on Friday.”

Gothamist – “The NYPL’s Assistant Coordinator of Young Adult Services, Jack Martin, explained, “Gaming at the library can bridge the gaps between children, teens and adults, bringing them together as families and friends under one space, or through dialog created through the users’ individual game playing.” (via)

The other day, I received an e-mail from Tom Hanson, who blogs over at Open Education. He mentioned a few video game posts in his e-mail. Here they are:

1) Shoot-em Up Video Games – The Cause of Greater Anti-social Behaviors in Teens?
2) Author Reveals “The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games”
3) Experts State: Do Not Banish – Instead, Manage Violent Video Game Play

Thanks Tom.

Star Trubine – “Minnesota may not enforce a law restricting the sale or rental of “adults only” or “mature” video games to minors, according to an opinion issued Monday by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.” (via)

Chronicle.com – “For the past several weeks, the scholar has posted a section of his draft each day to a popular blog he contributes to — called Grand Text Auto — and he has invited readers to praise it or tear it to shreds. They’ve done both. And by early next week, Mr. Wardrip-Fruin will have posted the whole tome, and the first phase of the experiment will be over.”

ICv2 News – The American Library Association will launch a gaming pavilion at its 2008 annual conference in Anaheim this June. The pavilion will group both tabletop and electronic game exhibitors, who will show games that can be used for both curriculum-based instruction and recreation.”

(Thanks to John for sending the link)

The Flint Journal – “We’ll either get one of two responses, either ‘this rocks’ or ‘this sucks.”

Opinion – “Teenagers ought to feel welcome in our public libraries, which remain — even in the digital age — among our most hallowed public spaces. And anything that brings them into the fold and into close contact with the wealth of resources at the library is worthwhile and downright important to the democracy.”

Of course, I disagree, but everyone is allowed to have an opinion. That’s why they call them opinions.

Update – What about Ballroom dancing for the kids?