Interesting policy questions?

[Scott Nicholson]

I've been asked to give a guest spot in our Information Policy
graduate course to talk about Games in Libraries and present some
policy issues for students to research for their papers in the class.
I've found that these opportunities can be valuable, as students
always turn up some things that you hadn't considered.

Right now, I have two issues:

- The popularity of M-rated games and playing them in public
libraries. (I know what the ALA's view is on this one, but I want
them to explore that as well as the balance between supporting the
needs of a local community with the desires of a professional
organization)

- The legality of games in library programs and "public performance" issues.

Are there other policy issues you've run into with using games in libraries?

--
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[Eli Neiburger]

Hey Scott, do you want to talk on the phone about this for a few minutes this week? Winning and losing is one that comes to mind... we once had a guy who wanted me to have the director call him and explain to him why she wasn't going to force a clan to roster his son... also there are some extra fussy libraries that want signed permission slips from anyone coming to a gaming event, even for games that aren't physical. The public performance thing is really instructive because it's an excellent way for information policy students to get the difference between exposure and risk... many library types equate the two, often really as an excuse not to try new stuff... also there's prizes, there's exposure to fund prize budgets with tax revenue, and some states might even have nonprofit charity laws that don't clearly sanction prizes for games of skill at an event produced by a public entity, etc. etc. etc. Let me know if you'd like to set up a call. Take it easy!

-eli

[Beth Gallaway]

Re permission slip policies -

I offer an optional permission slip, not to be fussy, but to build developmental assets. It can be a conversation starter between parent and child, about something the child is interested in, and it ensures the parent knows where the child is, building support and constructive use of time.

Plus, I like to know if someone has asthma or epilepsy or autism, so there is a spot for that.

Finally, the slip can double as a photo/video/audio release form.

[Jim Peterson]

Ditto what Beth said. Our policy was implemented to satisfy the Board's nervousness, and we also use it as a way to get media releases. To date, we've only had one parent refuse the media release, and her girls have only attended one session. You can find a copy of our policy here.

Good luck!

Jim Peterson Technology Coordinator Goodnight Memorial Library 203 S. Main St. Franklin, KY  42134 (270) 586-8397 www.gmpl.org Tweet me @GMLGeek Library Technology Blog