Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.

 

Ever watched the teens and tweens in your media center sneak in an online game in the middle of their research or study session? Have students come into the public library and created a disruption while playing RuneScape? Have concerned parents approached you to find out more about video game ratings? Even if your library hasn’t formally begun collecting, circulating, or programming with video games, you are no doubt aware of their popularity and proliferation. Now Game On! has the answers and approaches you need to make effective, successful choices about video gaming in your library. Learn the basics through a helpful discussion about the history and research of gaming, from computers to newer popular platforms. Here is a core collection of games, services and systems that will appeal to your tween and teen patrons, as well as suggestions for designing gaming programs in your library. Sample forms, bibliographies, and a gamer’s glossary are included for reference. Game On! is essential to any librarian looking to develop collections and services that advance the needs and skills of the young people they serve.

 "a well rounded reference resource on gaming at libraries...an excellent book for those who have anything to do with gaming and libraries...Overall, this book provides a wonderful overview of gaming, especially in relation to libraries."
-- College and Research Libraries, January 2010
 
"...this book will enable any librarian to understand the challenges and opportunities inherent in providing games as a library resource...Overall, this book is a complete handbook for any public or school librarian interested in implementing or extending gaming in his or her library...Beth Gallaway does not rely on rhetoric but uses solid examples of programs that have worked and gives enough detail to duplicate them."
-- Reference and User Services Quarterly, Vol. 49, Issue 2
 
"Even though this book is aimed more at the public library and librarian, we recommend it as a source for selecting and circulating actual games if teacher-librarians are interested in this format for school...This guide is a good one to raise your consciousness for the various possibilities."
-- Teacher Librarian, December 2009
 
"This no-nonsense manual offers a tremendous amount of useful information ....This comprehensive guide is recommended for libraries serving neophyte and seasoned gamers alike."
-- Booklist, December 2009
 
"Everything needed to get started is discussed....While this book is geared toward public libraries, school librarians with gaming programs will find it valuable also."
-- Library Media Connection, November/December 2009
 
"...packed with excellent resources..."
-- VOYA, October 2009
 
"With this guide in hand, even the novice can become a master."
-- American Libraries, August/September 2009
 
"An essential guide for any librarian who plans on embracing the video-game phenomenon, or at the very least, understanding it....this extensive resource is the only one you will need on this topic."
-- School Library Journal, September 2009
 

Beth Gallaway was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2006 for her work in advocating for video games in libraries. In July 2007, she started her own library consulting and training business, Information Goddess Consulting, specializing in gaming, technology, and youth services. Beth delivers continuing education workshops to librarians, in person and online, speaks at conferences in the United States and Canada, and provides dynamic and interactive technology, creative writing, and gaming programs to library patrons of all ages. Her favorite game is Rock Band.

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