This week's topic is all about online gaming. I do game online both with my PC and with my Xbox 360 and with the Wii. (What can I say, I like to game). One of my favorite sites for gaming is Big Fish Games. You have to download them so they are not really recommended for public library use. But if you have your own computer at home then give them a spin. They have both free one hour downloads and a paid membership, (I try the games first for free and if I like them then I do ahead and buy them). It's my favorite way to play on-line. They are safe with no ads and no virus or other scary stuff.
I think that the library can use online gaming as a way to bring more people into the library. I know that one branch already has teen game night and I think that it is a great idea. What I would like to see is computers between one and four set up in each of the children's department that has online games for those who are younger.
My home library system, has four computers that are used only for educational games that the library has purchased. They are very popular and they offer a safe alternative for parents who don't want their children playing the shoot 'em up games that are usually offered for free on-line. These computers could be games only with no access to the internet and no Microsoft Office.
I think that even if we don't buy games for our system that we should at least have a list of games that are appropriate for each age level. Many times parents as well as children will ask what sites are good for online games. While I do game online, I only know sites that are not really appropriate for younger players.
I also think that we should have a class on gaming for adults. There are a lot of sites that are good for card and board games that I think would be great for adult patrons. It is all about education and introducting the adults to the web in a different way.
On Cafes
17 years ago
