Games in the Library: Recreation AND Academic Support

Lauren Hays MidAmerica Nazarene University

CULS Conference, May 2015www.mnu.edu/games

Center for Games and Learning

• Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through a Sparks! Ignition Grant

• Curates an extensive game collection• Disseminates cutting-edge research on games

and learning• Equips educators to become game designers

Why Games?

• Today’s learners want to explore new ideas socially and playfully.

• Effective learning for 21st century leadership demands expertise in skills such as communication, collaboration, problem solving, flexibility, creativity, and innovation.

Why Tabletop Games?

• They do the work of powerful teaching and learning engines.

• Support experiential learning and social activity

• They are more accessible than digital games.• They have a longer lifespan than digital games.• They require players to practice 21st century

skills.

The 4 C’s

• Learning and Innovation Skills– Communication– Collaboration– Creativity– Critical Thinking

Getting Faculty on Board

• One-on-one consultations• Tying games to curriculum• Building a community of practice– Regular discussions– Share ideas– Build excitement

Purchasing Games

• Recreation– What is popular?– What is fun?

• Academic Support– Discussions with faculty– What can be played during a class setting– 21st century skills– Discipline specific games

Choosing Games

• For young children– HABA Games– Zoch Verlag (Zoch zum Spielen)

• Five types of games (Nicholson 2010)– SNAKS: Strategy games (Monopoly, Risk)– SNAKS: Narrative games (role-playing)– SNAKS: Action (Jenga, Kickball)– SNAKS: Knowledge (Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble)– SNAKS: Social (Dictionary, Apples to Apples)

• Math-oriented games: Reiner Knizia• Favorite online supplier: Time Well Spent Games

Cataloging Games

• MARC 245 Title Statement• MARC 260 Publication, Distribution, Etc.• MARC 300 Physical Description• MARC 500 General Note• MARC 508 Creation/Production Credits• MARC 520 Summary, Etc.• MARC 521 Target Audience• MARC 650 Topical Term• MARC 655 Index Term—Genre/Form

Choosing Games

Choosing Games

Follow-up

• MNU Games & Learning Conference– Friday, July 31– gamesandlearning@mnu.edu– www.mnu.edu/games– 913-971-3561

Questions?