Gaming in a School Library?

That’s what I have been getting asked at least ten times daily by anyone who wants to know what I’ve been doing this summer. I’ve found that being well researched and well read has been critical in informing the the masses about digital game based learning.

I have to admit, I am a slow reader and even worse when it comes to writing. I am trying to get my facts straight, work through my ideas, make curriculum connections, and complete my due diligence on gaming in school libraries.

The good news is that Gaming in Libraries is a burgeoning idea and new research is popping up daily. ALA has appointed a task force, ALA Tech Source holds a annual gaming symposium, and there are many fresh voices and advocates in the field.

If you’re interested in trying to pull together materials to help you in your quest to study the topic, I’ve found the following to be the best of the best.

Digital Game Based Learning by Marc Prensky

Don’t Bother Me Mom- I’m Learning!” by Marc Prensky

ALA TechSource Gaming, Learning, and Libraries

Gamers…in the Library by Eli Neiburger

The Shifted Librarian (Weblog) by Jenny Levine

and a quick plug for my Alma Mater & Scott Nicholson at Syracuse University-

Library Game Lab of Syracuse

Scott’s Recent Presentation on Gaming in Libraries- March 2008

Gaming in School Libraries

Chris Harris & Scott Nicholson have me really excited. If you’re not familiar with their research I highly suggest you check it out. It’s funny that these two guys have finally crossed paths. Scott was my professor (one of the best) at the iSchool at Syracuse in the early 2000′s and Chris heads up the neighboring School Library Systems at GV BOCES.

In listening to Scott’s presentation at the Bird Library on Gaming in Libraries, I find it alarming that we are losing our teens as library users at such an important age. Gaming as a part of a user-rich experience might help bring some of our YA’s back.

Chris Harris has taken AASL’s Standards for the 21st Century Learner and aligned them with the basic ideas and skills that make up gaming. This is brilliant. And to take this idea a step further, what if on the front cover of every game, right next to the ESRB label sat another label. An even BIGGER label. On that label would be the top learning standards that the game aligns with as a user or users engage in that particular gaming experience.