Crash Course in Gaming

Introduction
Chapter 1-Why Video Games Anyway?
Overall Concerns about Gaming
Video Games Are Violent or Contain Inappropriate Sexual Content
Video Games Promote Antisocial Behavior and Social Ineptitude
Video Games Are Mere Entertainment and Will Take Away from Literacy
Video Gaming in the Library Will Be Disruptive
Why Video Games and Video Game Programs Make Sense
Attracting New Users
Entertainment
Educational Value
Social Focus
Leveling the Field
Positive Impact on Other Services
Ways of Including Gaming
Circulation
Programming
Chapter 2-Game Genres, Gaming Systems, and Gamers
Adventure
Role-Playing
Simulation
Strategy
Platform
Shooter
Fighting
Puzzle Games
Physical Games
Traditional
Game Systems
Computer
Consoles
Mobile/Handheld Systems
Types of Gamers
Hard-Core Gamer
Casual Gamer
Mid-Core Gamer
Sportsman
Sim Player
Role Player
Competitive Gamer
The Retro Gamer
Making Choices
Chapter 3-Circulation of Games
Concerns
What to Collect
Elements of a Great Game
Collection Policy
Review Sources
Tradition Library Sources
Print Sources
Online Sources
IGN
The Escapist Magazine
Game
Gamepeople
Game Informer
GameSpot
GameSpy
Common Sense Media
Edutaining Kids
SuperKids
1-Up
G4TV
GamePro
Giant Bomb
JoyStiq
Metacritc Game Reviews
Gamasutra
Classic Gaming
Awards
Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) Game of the Year Awards
GameSpot Game of the Year
Spike Video Game Awards
Game Developers Choice Awards
Parents' Choice Small Screen Awards
e3 Game Critics Award
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)
GameSpy's Game of the Year Awards
Family Gamer Awards
Kids at Play Interactive (KAPi) Awards
Other Ways to Make Selections
Core Collections
Social Games
Narrative Games
"Physical" Games
Knowledge Games
Strategy Games
What Else to Collect
Vendors
Expense
Theft
Marketing the Collection
Loan Period and Penalties
Collection Maintenance and Weeding
Cataloging Tips
Conclusion
Chapter 4-In-Library Gaming Programs
Young Adult Programs
Open Gaming
Gaming Clubs
Incentive Programs
After-Hours Game Nights and LAN Parties
Gaming Tournaments
Themed Events and Parties
Adult Programs
Elder Programs
Partnering with Other Organizations and Facilities
Making Video Games More Accessible to Seniors
Intergenerational Programs
Open Gaming
Storytelling as a Function of Games
Retro Game Programs
Tournaments and Contests
Choosing a Tournament Type
Collecting Tournament Equipment
Games
Game Systems
Extras
Storage and Transportation
Running the Tournament
Plan Ahead
Request Help from Interested Groups
Be Flexible
Have Fun!
A Word about Programs in Other Library Settings
Programs for High School Libraries
Programs for Academic Libraries
Chapter 5-Video Game-Related Programs
Programs about Gaming
Lectures and Talks
Game Development Seminars
Contests
Game Concept Design
Machinima
Other Creative Pursuits
Art
Character Creation
Writing: Poetry or Stories
Storyboarding
Text Adventure Club
"Synergistic Reading" Club
Gamers' Movie Club
Gamers' Reading Club
Adding Games and Game Information to Existing Programming
Career Day
Chapter 6-Tips for Starting and Conducting Successful Game Programs
Starting Programs Inexpensively
Marketing
Evaluating Programming
Appendix A Notable Games
Appendix B Game-Related Movies
Appendix C Books for Gamers
Appendix D Sample Game Program Budget
Appendix E Step-By-Step Guide for Getting Started
Appendix F Evaluation
References
Index