Peer Review

Gaming in Libraries

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Overview:: This is a video blog discussing gaming in libraries to teach critical thinking skills and how to run an effective gaming day at the library.
Type of Material:: Blog
Recommended Uses:: In class, team. This blog would be of interest to librarians seeking to start a gaming program in their library.
Technical Requirements:: Adobe Flash Player is required.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: This blog seeks to create a discussion and offer tips for encouraging gaming in libraries. Learn how to determine user needs, achieve library goals, gain stakeholder approval, reach out to users, build an affordable collection of great games, assess program effectiveness, bring all ages together, and create the type of memorable experience that gets users talking and keeps them coming back for more, and to develop the students critical thinking skills.
Target Student Population:: High school, lower level college students
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Basic computer and video skills. Interest in promoting gaming in libraries is essential.

Rating:
Strengths:: This blog presents expert knowledge of gaming in libraries and offers ideas for those wanting to become involved in gaming. Clearly written and concise. It is based on Scott Nicholson's book: Everyone Plays at the Library: creating great gaming experiences for all ages.
Concerns:: This blog is more of a promotion for the author and programs being promoted by the author, including his book. This is not a traditional learning object. Some of the videos are no longer viewable in the site. Has not been updated since 2009

Rating:
Strengths:: This blog would be of interest to library staff seeking knowledge of what other libraries are doing to promote gaming. effectively teaches critical thinking skills, and makes learning fun. It brings gaming into the library, for use in variety of libraries. Discusses various games, traditional and electronic.
Concerns:: objectives not well laid out. Other than the videos, there are few tools for supporting gaming within the viewers library.

Rating:
Strengths:: This site is easy to navigate, and it is interactive. Includes audio podcasts. Can subscribe by RSS Feed, by email, or through iTunes to Board Games with Scott. The blog is clearly laid out with a short written introduction to the video and some supporting resources provided.
Concerns:: None.

Other Issues and Comments:: The course is supported by Syracuse University and the Kauffman Initiative project. The blog appears out of date. While this blog may be of interest to library professionals, it lacks structure necessary to make it a successful learning object.
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