Libraries Got Game: Aligned Learning through Modern Board Games

by Brian Mayer, Christopher Harris

The high-profile topic of gaming in libraries gets thorough consideration from two educator-librarians, who explain exactly how designer board games―which are worlds apart from games produced strictly for the educational market―can become curricular staples for students of all ages. Drawing on their experience as game aficionados and developers of a nationally recognized program that brings games to school library media centers, the authors equip colleagues with everything they need to initiate a board game project with * Direct links between board games and curriculum * Suggestions for building a core collection across grade levels * Strategies for program development and implementationFrom promoting the idea to teachers and administrators to aligning specific games to state and national education standards, this book will help you build a strong collection that speaks to enhanced learning and social development and is just plain fun.

Genres: Nonfiction, Librarianship

134 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book is really geared for a school library. The best part of the book is the listing of real games in the back that fit curriculum areas.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish that this book focused more on game ideas or game suggestions (which they mention), but the focus of the book is on the psychology and reasoning as to why Libraries should have board and videogames. The book is definitely catered towards school libraries and public libraries that are part of a system (not a stand-alone)....I understand that the reasoning behind WHY Libraries should host games, and yes, not everyone might, but to devote a whole book to it...bit much....

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

recommended board games that require mental processes, perseverance and collaboration rather than the roll of the dice. Includes ways to use them in classrooms and features alignment with curriculum; profiles how used in the Genesee Valley school system and guidelines for starting a collection.
Featured games:
Ticket to Ride, 1960: The Making of the President, Chicago Express, Shadows Over Camelot, Power Grid,
Top Recommended Games for Pre-K through Grade 5
Froggy Boogie; Gopher It!; In the Country; Incan Gold; Max; Number Chase; Quiddler; 7 Ate 9; The Suitcase Detectives; 10 Days in...
Top Recommended Games for Middle School (grades 6 - 8)
Amun-Re; duck!duck! GO!; LetterFlip; Nanofictionary; Numbers League; Oregon; Shadows Over Camelot; Ticket to Ride; Tribune: Primus Inter Pares; VisualEyes
Top Recommended Games for High School (grades 9 - 12)
Antike; Battlestar Galactica; Bolide; 1960: The Making of the President;Once upon a Time; PandemicPortrayal; Power Grid; Through the Ages; Ultimate Werewolf: Ultimate Edition;

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I heart board games, so naturally, selling the idea to me that board games are good for libraries is a pretty easy sell. The author gave a good explanation about the difference between roll and play games and designer board games and why developing a collection of designer games would contribute to literacy initiatives. I found it useful when writing my grant proposal for developing a board game collection at my library and having talking points to get my coworkers on board. I also really appreciated the game suggestions and recommendations.

[Mariella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely for school libraries, and I wish they would have specified that in the title because alot of the book was spent on how certain games meant curriculum standards. Which is great, but I am hoping to bring board games to the library as an Adult Play program, children and teens have already alot of play opportunities available to them.

However, simply learning of the different types of games that are out there, and the listing at the end was very helpful, and using this book as reference, I could totally run a game night at a local school.

[Brian Mayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I wrote it, I may be biased. I am proud that it sets the stage for discussing the value of modern board and cards games as an educational resource and introduces school librarians and educators to a new world of games that is slowly creeping into the mainstream.

The resource lists in the back are nice, but a few items have become dated and would be different in a second edition. For updated resource listings go to our site: http://sls.gvboces.org/gaming

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book about libraries and boardgames. It is written from a school librarian perspective, and there is much of interest in it for public librarians too. There are are also excellent ideas and information about the importance of games and play. I enjoyed reading this book, and I am still thinking about the ideas in it.

[Liz De Coster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geared towards school (K-12) libraries, but containing plenty of generally applicable information on the value of games in education and specific skills and experiences conveyed by 'designer' games.