This event is being co-sponsored ALA's Games & Gaming Round Table.

Presenters:

• Chris Baker, Public Library Consultant / Games & Learning Consultant, Library Services Team of the Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction, chris.baker@dpi.wi.gov
• Jenna Gilles, Youth Services Associate, Chippewa Falls Public Library, jgillesturner@mycfpl.org
• Jamie Hein, Library Director, Clintonville Public Library, jhein@clintonvillelibrary.org

Description:

In part one of our Video Game Collections in Libraries webinar series, we discussed important considerations and helpful advice that a librarian would want to consider when initially developing (or strengthening) a video game collection for their space; we showcased data that could be utilized to advocate for a robust game collection, offered budgeting tips for funding borrowable games, highlighted resources & tips to help with video game selection decisions (for novices and experts alike), weighed in about video game release & acquisition schedules, and even touched on the equity and accessibility benefits of offering said collections to your community. So - once you’ve acquired the games themselves for your collection… what then? Have no fear! In this second part of our series, we’ll return to tackle the functional, “nuts and bolts” methods and best practices of ongoing video game collection management. This webinar will delve into processing recommendations (like labeling, marking, & barcoding), cataloging considerations (e.g., how long should games’ checkout periods be?), displaying the collections to be browsable for patrons (where in the library? How should they be organized? Should you ‘care’ about ratings?), procedural standards for keeping your games ‘safe’ (and easily navigable for staff!) - and more. We aim to illustrate that – with a bit of diligence and learning for staff and patrons alike – the ongoing facilitation of video game collections in libraries ought to be no more burdensome on day-to-day operations than offering any other collection, all while allowing libraries to better meet the needs of entirely new user groups – and increase circulation!