According to a recent item in Library Journal, Nintendo is donating 21 Wiis to libraries. My initial cynical reaction to this ploy is shameless advertisement.
But even if a selfless act of goodwill on Nintendo’s part, I’m not sure that I fully support the idea. I just don’t know that libraries need to become gaming hubs. I suppose it really comes down to a question of whether or not gaming supports the mission of the public library. For example, here is an example of a mission statement from the Hennepin County Library system in Minnesota:
“Hennepin County Library promotes full and equal access to information and ideas, the love of reading, the joy of learning, and engagement with the arts, sciences, and humanities.”
Nothing about entertainment or even improved physical ability.
The Cincinnati public library promotes “Connecting people with the world of ideas and information.” Again, don’t see where the Wii fits in…
I’m not trying to be a luddite here, or even really to play devil’s advocate. It’s an honest question. Does gaming fit in to our missions, or is it just something public libraries are flocking to in order to appear hip and relevant (look at us! We’re the library and we’re cool!)? Is it time to adjust our mission statements?
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February 2, 2008 at 8:51 pm
What should wii be promoting in libraries? | Library Stuff
[...] Adventures in the Wild West Library Frontier – “I’m not trying to be a luddite here, or even really to play devil’s advocate. It’s an honest question. Does gaming fit in to our missions, or is it just something public libraries are flocking to in order to appear hip and relevant (look at us! We’re the library and we’re cool!)? Is it time to adjust our mission statements?” Posted in Video Games | Trackback | del.icio.us | Top Of Page [...]
February 2, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Jeff
It depends on what you are trying to do. The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenberg County Library District purchased them to get more 20-40 year olds in the library. It was a $69,000 grant. It also brought people from different backgrounds together to share the same game field. Technaem http://blog.technaeum.com/ has more on this.
I am repeating his actions by collaborating with Parks and Recreation as well as the new teen center to promote all of our facilities and a healthy lifestyle. It’s tough to exercise in the summer in Arizona
February 4, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Karin Dalziel
It depends on whether your definition of “arts” includes video games, I suppose. I have seen some video games I’d define as artistic – not guitar hero, though.
The “joy of learning” bit might also apply, beginning on the event.
Lincoln City Libraries do a lot of video game events. They have one planned right now that involves DDR and child/parent teams. I find it hard to argue against anything that gives families something to do together- it’s hard to find ANYTHING To do as a family that’s not commercialized anymore.
And the Guitar Hero tournaments,- well, they bring teens in. And then the teens often check out materials. It may be a “hook” but it works for some libraries.
It may indeed be time to adjust our mission statements, though. I get the feeling these are often set and then ignored until a decade later and someone finally looks at it again.