IL2007: Running a Gaming Program

IL2007: Running a Gaming Program
Presenters: Josh Weiland and Maryann Mori from the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

Their library services a population of 174,000.  They had no budget whatsoever.  They're hosting open play nights every other week as well as tournaments.  They used an acronym to explain their successful gaming program: SQUARE.

S: Search for answers.  Gaming publications like GamePro, TIps & Tricks, EGM, and Game Informer.  Gaming books: LTR Gaming & Libraries, Gamers...in the Library?!, and Game On!: Gaming at the Library.  YALSA listserv for gaming information.  Use web search engines and just see what we resources are out there.  Joystiq.com is a good web resource to tap, and also RedOctane.com (lots of games and peripherals).  CheapAssGamer.com: deals, sales, etc. 

Q: Question others.  Talk to people at local gaming stores, including used gaming stores.  Talk with technology staff and younger staff (SARAH'S NOTE: ALL STAFF, NOT JUST YOUNG AND TECHIE) at the library too to see how much they know about gaming.  Talk with other libraries that have conducted gaming programs as well.  Talk to your community teens to see what they would like as well, and gear the program around their needs and wants.  Ask about room requirements (lighting, size, noise barriers), equipment needs (computers with adequate RAM/connection, display devices with RCA jacks, screens, electrical outlets, power strips, and extension cords).  Game Considerations: think abotu the ESRB ratings and what is appropriate for your audience, great games like Guitar Hero, Dance Dance REvolution, Karaoke Revolution. 

U: Use what you've got.  Borrow equipment from your staff, from attendees.  Provide temp-stickers that teens can use to label their equipment.  Ask for funding from Friends groups, local agencies, businesses, and even state and library grant agencies.  If you can start small pilot programs on the cheap, then you can use the popularity of those programs to justify the funding requests.  Think about whether or not you should buy next-gen equipment or what's popular right now.  Remember the cost of the consoles themselves and the accessories (multiple controllers). 

A: Anticipate the big day.  Make advance plans.  Have big boxes where all the stuff for each platform belongs.  Make sure you reserve any equipment you need the day of, and test it ahead of time.  Advertise the event everywhere and anywhere.  Be clear about the operating guidelines of the gaming night and get head counts or registrations ahead of time so you know how many people to anticipate.  Send out attendee reminders.  Serve refreshments.

R: Relax.  Try to let everybody pitch in and help with the program.  Plan to join in on the fun.  Decide how you want the room set up.  Keep copies of game guides handy.  Have a microphone available for getting attendees' attention.

E: Evaluate and Expand.  If the event isn't successful, think about why--is it a bad day and time?  Get input from attendees before they leave.  Find funding from every place you can.  Once you move beyond Open Play, get into tournaments.  Get other library systems or branches involved.

IL2007