New book helps librarians deliver superior gaming resources and programs

New York, NY (April 10, 2009) – Video games have become a permanent part of mainstream popular culture, and libraries that value excellence in service must provide their customers with access to the best selection of games, gaming services and related materials. Game On! Gaming at the Library, to be published by Neal-Schuman on June 25, 2009, is a step-by-step primer to developing an effective library gaming experience. The book’s comprehensive coverage, core collection recommendations, and ready-to-go programming ideas will help any public or school librarian understand, implement or upgrade gaming services.

Enthusiastically written and designed to parallel a video game’s structure, nationally-recognized expert Beth Gallaway provides an energetic, easy-to-follow guide to gaming. Sections are divided into six “levels” and are accompanied by a “Strategy Guide” that contains related resources and supplemental materials.

Level 1 – The Backstory-Video Game Basics, provides an overview of video game concepts and formats, and examines pivotal moments in video game history and culture. Level 2 – Video Games at the Library defines crucial gaming definitions and terminology, and provides annotated lists of valuable online resources to help librarians successfully advocate for and develop a comprehensive game collection. Gallaway also addresses several common video game controversies, and explains the important ways in which gaming relates to the Search Institute’s Developmental Assets for Teens. Level 3 – Providing Library Services to Gamers details the gamers’ mentality, gaming on library computers, and a reader’s advisory service that connects related games and books. There is also a strategy guide for recommended game-related literature, including fiction books, online and print magazines. Level 4 – Games and Programs includes a variety of versatile model programs to implement at the library that can be customized to suit young adults, children, senior citizens and families. Gallaway also includes templates for surveys, flyers and forms as tools to help create original programming. Level 5– Selecting, Collecting and Circulation Video Games details methods for evaluating and selecting games, storage guidelines, tips for marketing and displaying games, and examples of real-world best practices from actual libraries. Also included is a model core collection of essential games and digital collections across multiple platforms. Level 6 – The Future of Games, provides a glimpse into the future of gaming and considers possible changes and growth opportunities for the gaming community.

Game On! concludes with an extensive glossary of terms, and features a companion website (www.neal-schuman.com/go) that offers downloadable forms and handouts, and provides access to updated core collection lists.

Game On! Gaming at the Library
Plus companion website. ISBN: 978-1-55570-595-4. 2009. 6 x 9. 310 pp. $55.00.

About the Author
Beth Gallaway was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2006 for her work in advocating for video games in libraries. In July 2007, she started her own library consulting and training business, Information Goddess Consulting, specializing in gaming, technology, and youth services. Gallaway delivers continuing education workshops to librarians, in person and online, speaks at conferences in the United States and Canada, and provides dynamic and interactive technology, creative writing, and gaming programs to library patrons of all ages. Her favorite game is Rock Band.

About Neal-Schuman Publishers
Neal-Schuman Publishers is a leading publisher of professional books for librarians, archivists and knowledge managers. Founded in 1976, Neal-Schuman Publishers is based in New York City, with offices in London, UK.

For More Information and/or Cover Art
Contact Sarah Eisenberg
sarah.eisenberg@neal-schuman.com
100 William Street, Suite 2004
New York, NY 10038
212-925-8650
www.neal-schuman.com