Games-based Library Services Nationwide Survey

Are you providing game based programs, services, and collections at your library? If so, read on for details about a nationwide survey of games-based Library Services from Chris Baker at Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and take the survey!!

Photo by Branden Skeli on Unsplash

 Hello, esteemed library colleagues!

After months of planning and thoughtful collaboration, the Wisconsin State Library Agency and the Washington State Library (in partnership with many others) are proud to officially kick off the first-ever nationwide surveying of Games-based Library Services – a key component of our National Games & Libraries Project (funded by an Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grant for Libraries).

Our comprehensive survey will result in a thorough and unprecedented “snapshot” of Games-based Library Services [GBLS] being offered nationwide throughout multitype libraries: public & school, academic, special, state libraries & consortia HQs, etc. Please help contribute to this invaluable research by filling out the survey yourselves and/or sharing it with your relevant library colleagues and networks!

Note: We ask that all libraries complete this survey (whether they offer GBLS or not). All contributed data will be useful, so share far and wide!

There are a few important notes we’d like to highlight before folks begin the survey:

• The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. ⏱️
• To keep our data clean and useful, we ask that only one person per each library, branch, institution, etc. submit a response. If needed, please gather information from colleagues beforehand so your answers reflect your individual institution as a whole. ✅
• Before starting the survey, we’d ask you to have access to your library’s program attendance and Integrated Library System (ILS) collection data at-hand, as we are seeking certain relevant data points related to Games-based Library Services. 📈
• Please use your own discretion to choose responses to our questions that would best represent your location / institution (we understand that different libraries and library institutions throughout the country might use different names / terms state-by-state). 🎯
• Your responses are confidential. The only identifying information we collect is your institution’s ZIP Code, which will be used solely to help us understand geographic distribution and create a national heatmap of GBLS activity. 🔒
• Participation is voluntary and you may skip any question that allows skipping (note that many responses are mandatory). Provided participant contact information (if given) will be used to select gift card raffle winners. 🎉
• This project was made possible in part by generous funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant LG‑256639‑OLS‑24. 📚
• The National Games & Libraries Project [NGLP] is being co-sponsored by the ALA GameRT (the American Library Association’s Games & Gaming Round Table) and COSLA (the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies). 🎮

We anticipate the survey remaining open until mid-July. But… why wait!? Complete it ASAP to help us start building an early picture of nationwide Games-based Library Services!

If you have questions about the survey or the project, please contact Chris Baker (Games & Learning Consultant / Public Library Consultant; Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction) at Chris.Baker@dpi.wi.gov. 🙏 So – without further ado.... 

🎲 🕹️ NGLP Games-based Library Services Survey  🕹️  🎲

We want to thank everyone ahead of time for filling out the survey and sharing it with your colleagues and networks. We look forward to sharing the results of our survey with the nationwide library community this Fall!

Stay tuned -- and stay groovy, ✌️

~Chris Baker

 

Chris Baker (he/him/his) Public Library Consultant, Games & Learning Consultant | Bureau of Libraries Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 201 W Washington Ave | Madison, WI | 53703 608-264-6709 |   dpi.wi.gov

Video Games IRL

Image by María_Alberto from Pixabay

Cindy Shutts crushes another teen program on the Teen Librarian Toolbox blog! She covers a couple fandoms with ideas for Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, and Among Us programs for teens and tweens.

Read the whole post here. And let us know if you try out any of these ideas!

[Cindy Crushes Programming: Video Games in Real Life . Cindy Shutts. Teen Librarian Toolbox blog. October 30, 2025.]

Upcoming Games-based Learning Opportunities

Image by Araxhs Official from Pixabay

There are a number of upcoming presentations and professional development opportunities related to games-based library services, playful learning, and interactive pedagogy; some options are free, and some have a registration cost associated with them. Please help spread the word about these opportunities to your networks -- and register today!!

Friday, May 23rd, 1:00 pm
  WiLSWorld Shorts: Roll for Initiative! Wisconsin Adventures in the Library

• "Proven education foundations and dragon-slaying go hand in hand! Wisconsin Adventures combines the myths and legends of Wisconsin’s past with the deep learning opportunities of fantasy role-playing games (RPGs). Join WiLS and Wisconsin Historical Society’s Manager of PK-12 Education Initiatives Kurt Griesemer on Friday, May 23rd at 1:00 pm CT to hear about how you can engage new audiences, connect players with Wisconsin and its history, and build community and literacy skills with Dungeons and Dragons and Wisconsin Adventures in your library."
• REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, May 28th, 10:00-11:00 am CST
  Video Game Collections in Libraries, Pt. #3:

Collection Maintenance, Circulating Consoles, Wraparound Services, and Digital Games 

• In parts one and two of our “Video Game Collections in Libraries” webinar series, we first outlined effective pathways for video game selection and acquisition, and followed that up by showcasing how to “librarianize” your acquired games via processing, cataloging, and displaying best practices. So – you’ve got games on shelves, and they’re checking out; done! Mission accomplished? … Not so fast!! There are additional steps needed to maintain that collection and keep it healthy, with further opportunities to implement “value-added” services that will support your video game collection. Finally, it’s important that we collectively ask: what will our video game collections look like in 5 to 10 years, where most games will likely be “all digital”? How can a librarian prepare for that inevitable shift?
  
  In part #3 of our “Video Game Collections in Libraries” webinar (the final part!), we will dig into suggested protocols for weeding and repairing discs, recommendations for “wraparound” services like video game programs, circulating game consoles, and helping your patrons acquire necessary video game patches/updates – along with a deep (but brief) exploration into important questions like “What will libraries do when video games transition to all digital?”, “what impact would all-digital video games have on offering library game collections?”, and, most importantly, “who is working on what in this space right now?” – to set our libraries up for success in the future!
• REGISTER HERE
• Presenters: Chris Baker (Public Library Consultant / Games & Learning Consultant, Library Services Team of the Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction; chris.baker@dpi.wi.gov), Jenna Gilles (Youth Services Associate, Chippewa Falls Public Library; jgillesturner@mycfpl.org), and Jamie Hein (Library Director, Clintonville Public Library; jhein@clintonvillelibrary.org)

June 20th-22nd
  NarraScope 2025: Celebrating Narrative Games

• Registration for NarraScope 2025 is now available! What is Narrascope? "NarraScope is an event that supports interactive narrative, adventure games, and interactive fiction by bringing together writers, developers, and players. NarraScope 2025 will be hosted at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. All talks will be streamed live via Discord. Our conference aims to be a place for everyone interested in narrative games to hang out, exchange ideas and get inspired. We do this through a broad selection of talks, keynote speakers, discussions and workshops."
• "Registration is required for both in-person and online attendance, and must be done in advance of the event. The number of in-person memberships is limited by the capacity of our venue, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We have no capacity cap for our online registration. In-person registration is open until May 23, 2025; online registration is open until June 18, 2025."
• REGISTER HERE
• I (Chris Baker) will be co-presenting at the Narrascope Conference on Sunday, June 22nd from 12:30-1:00 pm CST. More info:
• Gaming Collections & Services in Libraries: "Libraries have a long history of collecting games as part of our shared cultural heritage. This session will feature two presentations on how academic and public libraries are preserving the history of games and broadening access to both legacy and contemporary games. Learn more about the cutting edge of games librarianship and discover ways to get involved with efforts to collect and preserve today's digital games in libraries."
• Co-presenters: Colin Post, David Carter

August 21st & 22nd; Pre-cons on August 20th
Play Make Learn 2025 - Register NOW!!

• Registration is open NOW for Play Make Learn 2025! If you've never attended before, the Play Make Learn annual conference takes place at the Memorial Union on the UW-Madison campus; PML is a place for collaboration and discovery in the design, research and practice of playful learning, games for learning and positive social impact, making and makerspaces, STEAM education, and arts in education. PML creates an inspirational space for preK-12 educators, designers, developers, innovators, librarians, museum professionals, makers, and researchers to tinker together, share knowledge, and celebrate one another’s work
• REGISTER HERE
• Explore Pre-con Sessions
• NOTE: We've sold out on registration spots for Play Make Learn over the past few years -- so if you are interested in attending, don't wait too long! If you have questions about the conference, or would like to request support (while funds are available), you can reach out to the PLACE Office at conferences@education.wisc.edu.

Any questions? You can reach me at Chris.Baker@dpi.wi.gov. Consider joining our WISELearn Games + Learning + Libraries Cohort to collaborate with a wonderful community of practice -- and to start sharing (and using) our collected games-based resources. Game on!!

~Chris

Upcoming Webinar: Video Game Collections in Libraries, Pt. #2

Hello once more, games-interested library colleagues!

Just sending a reminder that next week Wednesday, December 11th, from 10:00-11:00 am CST (11:00 am - Noon EST), I'll be co-presenting alongside the inimitable Jenna Gilles (Youth Services Associate, Chippewa Falls Public Library) and Jamie Hein (Library Director, Clintonville Public Library) as we continue our series helping guide librarians in how to create robust video game collections in libraries! Here's brief description about what we'll be covering in part #2:

• "So - once you’ve acquired the games themselves for your collection… what then? Have no fear! In this second part of our series, we’ll return to tackle the functional, 'nuts and bolts' methods and best practices of ongoing video game collection management. This webinar will delve into processing recommendations (like labeling, marking, & barcoding), cataloging considerations (e.g., how long should games’ checkout periods be?), displaying the collections to be browsable for patrons (where in the library? How should they be organized? Should you ‘care’ about ratings?), procedural standards for keeping your games ‘safe’ (and easily navigable for staff!) - and more. We aim to illustrate that – with a bit of diligence and learning for staff and patrons alike – the ongoing facilitation of video game collections in libraries ought to be no more burdensome on day-to-day operations than offering any other collection, all while allowing libraries to better meet the needs of entirely new user groups – and increase circulation!"

• For more information (and to add the event to your calendar), head here!

• And if you missed part #1 (about Selection & Acquisition), you can check it out here!

Special thanks to the Indiana State Library for hosting us, and for the American Library Association's Games & Gaming Round Table for co-sponsoring the event! We look forward to seeing folks on December 11th!

Stay groovy, 

~Chris

Chris Baker (he/him/his) Public Library Consultant, Games & Learning Consultant Library Services Team, Division of Libraries and Technology Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 201 West Washington Avenue | Madison WI 53703 608-264-6709 | chris.baker@dpi.wi.gov | dpi.wi.gov

Video Game Collections Webinar Available

The first webinar in our multi-part "Video Game Collections in Libraries" series is now available and linked in WISELearn! Context: I presented alongside Jenna Gilles (Youth Services Associate, Chippewa Falls Public Library) and Jamie Hein (Director, Clintonville Public Library) on Wednesday, October 30th about Video Game Selection & Acquisition. There are lots of useful tips in the webinar if you are looking to get a video game collection started -- or strengthen an existing one!

• Webinar Video Here!

• Folks can access the slides here!

Our next webinar, titled Video Game Collections in Libraries, Pt. #2: Processing, Cataloging, Displaying, & ‘Best Practices will be presented on Wednesday, December 11th, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am CST (click the link above for more details, and to add to your calendar). So let's say you've watched part #1, and are convinced about getting a video game collection started, and/or you've already gotten the games; what's next? Part #2 will cover the nuts and bolts of getting your collection "shelf ready"! You won't want to miss it. 🙂

Both webinars are being hosted by the Indiana State Library and are co-sponored by the American Library Association's Games & Gaming Round Table. We might end up doing a part #3 about collection maintenance, policy, promotion, and more, too -- so check out part #1, join us for part #2, and stay tuned for a possible third! 

~Chris

Chris Baker (he/him/his) Public Library Consultant, Games & Learning Consultant Library Services Team, Division of Libraries and Technology Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 201 West Washington Avenue | Madison WI 53703 608-264-6709 | chris.baker@dpi.wi.gov | dpi.wi.gov

Update on Upcoming Free Webinars on Video Game Collections

Hello again, colleagues!

I wanted to remind folks about an upcoming webinar opportunity that might be of value to you or others in your networks. On October 30th, from 10:00-11:00 am CST (11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST), the Indiana State Library will be hosting myself, Jenna Gilles (Youth Services Associate, Chippewa Falls Public Library, WI), and Jamie Hein (Library Director, Clintonville Public Library, WI), as we collaboratively present about selection and acquisition best practices for video game collection development.

We also now have information to share about part #2 in this webinar series, where we'll be presenting about the "nuts and bolts" of video game collection development — like implementing the materials in your library collections, displaying them, and maintaining them. The second webinar will be on December 11th, from 10:00-11:00 am CST (11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST).

This event is co-sponsored by the ALA's Games & Gaming Round Table. Info about both of the webinars below; share far and wide – and add them to your calendar, today!!

__________________________

Video Game Collections in Libraries, Pt. #1: The "Why", "What", and "How" of Selection & Acquisition

• Date & Time: Wednesday, October 30th, 10:00-11:00 am
• Link to Event/URL to Attend: https://isl.libcal.com/event/13140847
• Description:
• For years now, media usage data has shown that video games have led the entertainment industry by a massive margin, handily securing the crown as the most popular recreational medium on the planet. In the United States, 61% of Americans report playing video games for at least one hour every week; 29% of game players are 50 or older, and the average age of video gamers in the U.S. is 36, with a near-even split of 53% identifying as male, and 46% identifying as female.
  
  The point? These impressive statistics represent an enormous opportunity for libraries in the U.S. to capitalize on – and illustrate that librarians ought to prioritize intentionally developing robust video game collections for their users to access; game collections can meaningfully help libraries reach a broader base of patrons, create exceptional new pathways for materials circulation, resonate with additional user identities, and help foster a 'community of practice' surrounding games in the library space. On top of this, video game collections help libraries showcase an earnest desire to remain relevant, accessible, and cutting-edge to their public.
  
  In this first presentation in our series about video game collection development, you’ll hear from multiple librarians about the “why”, “what”, and “how” of video game selection and acquisition; we will highlight both philosophical and pragmatic best practices for developing video game collections – from advocacy data, to funding tips, to selection resources, to acquisition schedules, and more. A follow-up webinar in the series will focus on things like processing, borrowing rules, policy, and collection maintenance. You won’t want to miss these presentations!

Video Game Collections in Libraries, Pt. #2: Processing, Cataloging, Displaying, & 'Best Practices'

• Date & Time: Wednesday, December 11th, 10:00-11:00 am
• Link to Event/URL to Attend: https://isl.libcal.com/event/13276612
• Description:
• In part one of our Video Game Collections in Libraries webinar series, we discussed important considerations and helpful advice that a librarian would want to bear in mind when initially developing (or strengthening) a video game collection for their space; we showcased data that could be utilized to advocate for a robust game collection, offered budgeting tips for funding borrowable games, highlighted resources & tips to help with video game selection decisions (for novices and experts alike), weighed in about video game release & acquisition schedules, and even touched on the equity and accessibility benefits of offering said collections to your community.
  
  So - once you’ve acquired the games themselves for your collection… what then? Have no fear! In this second part of our series, we’ll return to tackle the functional, “nuts and bolts” methods and best practices of ongoing video game collection management. This webinar will delve into processing recommendations (like labeling, marking, & barcoding), cataloging considerations (e.g., how long should games’ checkout periods be?), displaying the collections to be browsable for patrons (where in the library? How should they be organized? Should you ‘care’ about ratings?), procedural standards for keeping your games ‘safe’ (and easily navigable for staff!) - and more. "
  
  We aim to illustrate that – with a bit of diligence and learning for staff and patrons alike – the ongoing facilitation of video game collections in libraries ought to be no more burdensome on day-to-day operations than offering any other collection, all while allowing libraries to better meet the needs of entirely new user groups – and increase circulation!

__________________________

These events will be recorded, and will eventually be uploaded as a resource to the Wisconsin Games + Learning + Libraries Cohort on WISELearn; that said, if you attend the event, you can take part in the last fifteen minutes' Q&A. 

Thanks so much for spreading the word; we look forward to sharing with you all!

~Chris

Chris Baker (he/him/his) Public Library Consultant, Games & Learning Consultant Library Services Team, Division of Libraries and Technology Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 201 West Washington Avenue | Madison WI 53703 608-264-6709 | chris.baker@dpi.wi.gov | dpi.wi.gov

Free Webinar - Video Gaming Collections in Libraries

Image by Rafael Javier from Pixabay

On October 30th, from 10:00-11:00 am CST (11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST), the Indiana State Library will be hosting myself, Jenna Gilles (Youth Services Associate, Chippewa Falls Public Library, WI), and Jamie Hein (Library Director, Clintonville Public Library, WI), as we collaboratively present about video game collection development philosophies, tips, and best practices. This will likely be the first in a multi-part webinar series (more info about subsequent offerings to be shared in the future). Thank you to the Indiana State Library for facilitating this!

This event is co-sponsored by the ALA's Games & Gaming Round Table. Info about the event is below; share far and wide – and add it to your calendar, today!!

__________________________

Video Game Collections in Libraries, Pt. #1: The "Why", "What", and "How" of Selection & Acquisition

• Date & Time: Wednesday, October 30th, 10:00-11:00 am
• Link to Event/URL to Attend: https://isl.libcal.com/event/13140847
• Description:
For years now, media usage data has shown that video games have led the entertainment industry by a massive margin, handily securing the crown as the most popular recreational medium on the planet. In the United States, 61% of Americans report playing video games for at least one hour every week; 29% of game players are 50 or older, and the average age of video gamers in the U.S. is 36, with a near-even split of 53% identifying as male, and 46% identifying as female.

The point? These impressive statistics represent an enormous opportunity for libraries in the U.S. to capitalize on – and illustrate that librarians ought to prioritize intentionally developing robust video game collections for their users to access; game collections can meaningfully help libraries reach a broader base of patrons, create exceptional new pathways for materials circulation, resonate with additional user identities, and help foster a 'community of practice' surrounding games in the library space. On top of this, video game collections help libraries showcase an earnest desire to remain relevant, accessible, and cutting-edge to their public.

In this first presentation in our series about video game collection development, you’ll hear from multiple librarians about the “why”, “what”, and “how” of video game selection and acquisition; we will highlight both philosophical and pragmatic best practices for developing video game collections – from advocacy data, to funding tips, to selection resources, to acquisition schedules, and more. A follow-up webinar in the series will focus on things like processing, borrowing rules, policy, and collection maintenance. You won’t want to miss these presentations!

__________________________

This event will be recorded, and will eventually be uploaded as a resource to the Wisconsin Games + Learning + Libraries Cohort on WISELearn; that said, if you attend the event, you can take part in the last fifteen minutes' Q&A. 

Thanks so much for sharing; we look forward to sharing our insights and experience!

~Chris

Chris Baker

Public Library Consultant

Games & Learning Consultant

Library Services Team; WI Department of Public Instruction

(608) 264-6709

christopher.baker@dpi.wi.gov

A Note From PBS Wisconsin

The PBS Wisconsin Summer of Possibilities provides incredible content, and as the newest member of the PBS Wisconsin Education team, I'd say "Summer of Possibilities" is also a perfect personal theme. From stepping into the communications specialist role and getting to meet new people, to soaking up as much sunshine as I can tending to my home garden, my summer is definitely packed with possibilities. (If the bugs could possibly stay off my tomato plants, that would be fantastic.)

Read on for more ways to learn, play, and watch this summer, starting with Dairy Month! It is a great reason to enjoy some (extra) ice cream in June! It's also a great reason to learn about what - and who - helped set Wisconsin apart as "America's Dairyland".

Trying to stay out of the heat? Dive into the Legend of the Lost Emerald video game and see for yourself why it won gold at the International Serious Play Awards.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness is a new documentary premiering soon that explores the lives of more than 20 young people living with mental health conditions. Looking for youth mental health supports? Read more below on resources from the Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health. 

There's still time to apply to be part of the PBS Media Literacy Educator Certification Cohort! Applications are due July 20. 

Your partner in education,
Tawny Morrison
Education Communications Specialist