Game clicp from Bully / save Algie (nerd in library) – libraries are already embedded in (some) videogames
Looks to video games for how we can better provide reference service
Why are games so engaging, and why do people play them, and how do they change people’s perceptions of the world?
Negative press for videogames (Fox News)
Giles Whittel ,“Video games: I’ll never buy one”
Mitchell and Wade, The Kids Are Alright: How the Gamer Generation is Changing the Workplace
Steven Johnson, Everything Bad Is Good For You
Who plays games? 62% males, approx 25% age 50+, avg age 33
- Gods of War, Elder Scrolls IV
- Lego Star Wars – puzzles, problem-solving skills
- Resident Evil (#?) – decision-making
- Bully – uses map
- God of War – multiple difficulties – learn while you play – 1st 15 minutes of game teaches you 8 of 16 buttons/controls
“Good games teach you through the process”
Games:
- Encourage exploration
- Are immersive environments
- Encourage learning while doing
Library:
- We need new nomenclature, to facilitate patron exploration of library
- We need consistent interfaces – may be pipe dream because of the variety of databases (with different interfaces) to which we subscribe.
We expect our users:
- To be accustomed to exploration
- Exploration (in games), trial & error, yields feedback. In libraries it yields…?
We can assume library patrons have already ‘tried and died’
Library as immersive space, learning/information commons:
- Students move furniture around
- Café, inviting space
- Wireless, laptop checkout, not shackled to public workstations
Customizable interfaces? “Allows users to control their virtual library environment”
Practice makes perfect. Games encourage mastery, unlockable content, multiple difficulties. We can leverage this in libraries. In library instruction:
- Hands-on
- Immediate application of content
- Relevance, timeliness
- Not ‘generic’
- Experiment with various methods, subjects
WP (WordPress) polls, used at beginning of BI class – answers drive direction of class
Shows Flickr to explain tagging
Until we have smarter systems (e.g., OPAC) we need point-of-need help, like screencasts. Games do this well.
Encourages embedding chat box widgets. Email isn’t good enough – not instant help.
FAQs to encourage ‘self-help’ and exploration
Libraries don’t have time or money to build video games (in absence of grants). Is the game scalable? What are they trying to teach? Would they want to play? What would the game look like? Who would want to play a library-related video game?
2nd Life option:
- Low initial investment
- Very few students used it or knew about it.
Librarians are good games because we like to search. We like trial and error. Used level-up analogy (i.e. once you’ve obtained a new skill level, you try more difficult tasks).
Suggested readings look good – see slides
Can make things fun by offering prizes