More good news: Libraries Love Games

I’ve got more good news. Libraries love games and my sources tell me that the American Library Association (get to know these people) is planning a national game day. The ALA will be encouraging traditional game play because they see it as educational and a form of literacy.

If you want to know more, go to a terrific new website, Games for Educators, where you can learn more about the ALA and the role that games can and do play in education. While there, check out a truly enjoyable video of Scott Nicholson speaking at the 2007 ALA TechSource Gaming, Learning, and Libraries Symposium. It’s fun and informative. Dr. Scott Nicholson is a professor of Library Science at Syracuse University School of Information Studies and a lover of games.

The Games for Educators website is collaboration by Mary Couzin of Chicago Toy and Game Group and Pat Matthews of Live Oak Games. Mary says that in creating the website, they wanted to provide educators with a source for bringing play into the classroom. Mary tells me that the website’s starting point is that play is a great way for educators to break down social, cultural and educational barriers in the classroom.  Education can be fun.  How cool is that!