(This post is only tenuously connected to libraries, but I'll get to that in a minute)
I used to play video games a lot when I was a kid, but ever since I was, oh, probably 18 or 19, I've just not really been very excited about them. I think I lost interest around the time when the controllers had three joysticks, which you somehow had to use simultaneously. If I was playing a game from a first person perspective, my character would end up walking around staring at the ground. Anyhoo, I've gotten back into video games lately thanks to a new one that my roommate got for Christmas: Rock Band! (I would link to the game website, but there's loud music blaring on the front page...just google "rock band" and you'll find it.) If you haven't heard of it, it allows you to "play" songs using a guitar, drums, and microphone controllers. You don't need to know how to play the real instruments; you just push the colored button (or drumpad) corresponding to the color on the screen. It's addictive, and a lot of fun, and great for parties.
The thing about it that sparked this blog entry is the drums. I've tried playing real drums before, and it's not a pretty sight. I've gotten really good at this game on drums, though. And it feels like you're actually playing. So I've been wondering: does this mean that I could actually play real drums now? I wonder if, eventually, schools will use instrument simulators like this to teach music? That idea is a bit scary to me, but that's a ways off in the future.
Ok, to tie this in to libraries: I know that a lot of public libraries' teen areas have video games set up, including Guitar Hero (the same idea as rock band, just guitar only). I'm sure some of them have Rock Band now, too. For some reason, this bothers me...probably just the traditionalist in me ("this isn't what a library is supposed to be!") Do you guys and gals have any thoughts on this?
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3 comments:
So I have to say, that I completely disagree with you on the video games in libraries. I think they’re awesome and really drawl Young Adults into libraries. Considering that I want to be a Young Adult Librarian this is a HUGE plus. There are a lot of good things that can come out of video games, such as team work and building trust with librarians. It gives teens a chance to see librarians in a more relaxed atmosphere while having fun! After all, once you have them in the library then you can introduce them to other things (book clubs, advisory boards, etc) Some may come, some may not. But even if just one child becomes more involved in the library, hasn’t that at least accomplished something/fulfilled the purpose of the library?
Oh, I love Guitar Hero, Singstar, DDR, and all of the interactive/musical video games. So, it sounds like I would have a blast playing Rock Band. I'll have to check it out.
I really think of the library as a community place. I remember taking different classes at the library while growing up. And, more recently, I've enjoyed concerts and film screenings at public libraries. So, I'll have to say that Rock Band and other type video games would be a good draw for the library. Especially for those who can't afford their own games.
When I was in library school my first attempt at a thesis was a comparative study of American influence on the development of Korean and Japanese public libraries. It never went anywhere because it was so hard in the pre-Internet days to get materials but one thing I learned that has stuck with me is that particularly Japanese libraries were the community centers Kathy mentions. Much more so than what we have had in the U.S. I went to the ALATechSource conference on gaming last summer and was impressed by what libraries are doing to bring new patrons into their buildings. DDR and Guitar Hero figure prominently in those efforts, ones that are being done both in public and academic libraries. I think it is just one more initiative to reach a niche market - in the same way that public libraries offer storytimes or employment counseling.
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