Here's installment #2 for why I am so excited about the 2007 ALA TechSource Gaming, Learning, and Libraries Symposium (#1 is back here).

Some unique sessions:

• What IF: Gaming, Intellectual Freedom and the Law
  Katherine Fallow (Jenner & Block)
  "Video games are under scrutiny around the country as some parents and special interest groups raise concerns about the topics and themes contained in some games. Some groups call for laws regulating access to games based on their content; others advocate for an outright ban on violent games. Several states have passed laws restricting minors’ access to 'violent' video games, but every such law has been invalidated by the courts under the First Amendment.

  These organizations and individuals are likely to turn their attention to libraries as libraries begin to add games to their collections. Join us for a presentation on applying intellectual freedom principles to games and gaming activities, and a discussion about video games and the First Amendment. We’ll discuss recent court decisions addressing minors’ access to video games, the legal status of game ratings, and policy developments."
  



• Digital Downloads for Gamers
  Beth Gallaway (InfoGoddess Consulting)
  "Circulating video games and software is one way to serve gamers, but without community and staff storage, buy in, theft, damage, and storage can be major hurdles. Discover alternatives such as downloadable games and subscription-based game services from a variety of vendors, and hear about libraries are implementing digital and mail order game services! We will also examine the potential of mail order gaming services from vendors such as Red Octane and GameFly, and show other digital services with appeal to gamers for libraries to consider."
  


• ToxMystery: Using a Game to Make Learning about Chemicals Fun for Kids
  Stephanie Publicker, Martha Szczur (Specialized Information Services Division, National Library of Medicine)
  "ToxMystery (http://toxmystery.nlm.nih.gov) is the National Library of Medicine's interactive learning site for 8-11 year old children. It provides a fun, game-like experience while introducing potential environmental health hazards sometimes found in the home.

  'Toxie' the cat helps find the hazards hidden in each room, and offers hints when needed. The objective is to find all the hazards. Players are treated to fun animations when they complete each area. When all the hazards in the house have been discovered, Toxie delivers an animated celebration, and players can print a personalized certificate.

  ToxMystery's 'Parent Resources' page provides more detailed information about everyday environmental hazards that can be harmful to one's health. A 'For Teachers' page contains more than ten downloadable activity pages that can be used in elementary school classrooms."
  



• Gaming for Adults
  Martin House, Mark Engelbrecht (Public Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg County)
  "We would like to present a synopsis and findings from a current LSTA grant the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County received for PC-based gaming in libraries. These events are focused on adults and include laptop-based gaming, board games, Xboxes, and an educational component based on the theme of the event. This grant funded program started in October 2006. The funding includes a research component to determine whether adults are drawn to the library by gaming programs. We have some preliminary findings to present, which will include:
  
  
  
  • The type of user who is drawn to gaming for adults
  
  
  • Income Level
  
  
  • Age Groups
  
  
  • Are they already library users?
  
  
  • Favorite games
  
  
  • Various Demographics
  
  
  • Focus Group feedback which will include:
    
    
    
    • Opinion of the library hosting gaming events
    
    
    • How has their opinion of the library changed due to these events?
    
    
    • What kind of library user are they? AKA: Why do they use the library?
    
    
    • Are gaming events a draw for them?"
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  But wait, there's more! View all of the sessions here, and check out the preliminary program is here.
  
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