Just a quick note that the preliminary program for the 2008 ALA TechSource Gaming, Learning, and Libraries Symposium is now available online. I’m excited about the program, because I think we’ve got some great tracks and sessions that will be valuable for anyone trying to implement gaming in their library or looking for ways to expand or enhance an existing program. Like last year, we’re going to push the boundaries of the connotations for “gaming” in libraries, in addition to answering your practical, “in the trenches” questions (legal issues, accessibility, cataloging, etc.).

Our keynote speakers continue last year’s tradition of addressing games & learning while also helping to make sense of today’s hot topics.

• Andrew Bub, writer, parent, and GamerDad, will explain how to help parents and players find the right games for them.
• Jon-Paul Dyson, Vice President for Exhibit Research and Development and Associate Curator at the Strong National Museum of Play, will explain the importance of play, not just for learners but for librarians as well.
• Dr. Lawrence Kutner, co-author of the book Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth about Violent Video Games, will detail his research about violence and videogames.
• Marc Prensky, whose most recent book is titled Don’t Bother Me Mom, I’m Learning, will explore Millennial learning styles and gaming.

Fan favorites Chris Harris, Scott Nicholson, and Eli Neiburger will be back, too. Scott will give us a census update on the number of libraries offering gaming, while Eli will explain how to foster Civic Engagement through Gaming and give us a Pokemon Primer so that we can at least talk the talk with the players in our communities.

Brian Mayer will be joining us this year and with Chris and Scott, he’ll help us understand how modern boardgames are different than the ones we grew up with. Chris and Brian will also discuss their alignment of the AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner with boardgames and how librarians can use them to meet student learning needs. Plus, Paul Waelchli will present ideas for incorporating videogame strategies into reference and instruction services to interact with students in a more engaging way.

And that’s just the start - three days of sessions, open gaming (both boardgames and videogames), dine-arounds with experts, and all of the fun and learning you can handle. Attendance is limited to 350 people, so register now. I hope to see you there!