The American Journal of Play

My last two blogs spoke about my visit to the Strong National Museum of Play. While there, I got a chance to learn more about the museum’s American Journal of Play.

I have long felt that we as an industry were missing a scholarly journal with peer reviewed articles. Well we have one in the American Journal of Play. Published in conjunction with the University of Illinois, the journal recently released its first issue.

Published four times a year, among its stated aim is to “…increase awareness and understanding of the critical role of play in learning and human development and the ways in which play illuminates American cultural history.”

It is purposely written in a “clear, straightforward style suitable for wide readership.” It is available in both in on paper and online formats. The subscription price is an extremely reasonable $49 a year.

It belongs in the offices, bookshelves and bedside tables of anyone who is a leader or future leader of toy nation. I am going to subscribe. Check it out. You may want to do so as well.