Apologies for cross-posting,

A few weeks ago I pitched a request on LIS-LINK and LIS-PUB-LIBS concerning the provision and management of games consoles in libraries - the original request, for information, was:

I'm presently involved in refurbishment of a large public library and we're considering the possibility of introducing a games console for use here. Another of our libraries has a Playstation but we're aware that at the moment the Wii seems to have the popular vote.

If your library has games consoles available for public use I'd be very grateful if you could let me know:
(a) what console(s) you have
(b) how you make these available (e.g. any security measures)
(c) what, if any, problems have you experienced?

And if you fancy dropping in any other comments, feel free!

Please reply to me directly and I'll summarise for the list.

Several responses were received, mainly from public/ academic libraries - many thanks for all of these which reflect a wide range of opinions. I've anonymised and paraphrased below.

- variety of consoles used to explore new ways of delivering learning, for staff use only
- not provided (students probably already have them anyway), Wii would probably win the race with sports/ exercise programmes and games that can get wide age ranges playing together, and getting seniors accustomed to controlling technology in a fun and non-threatening environment.
- not provided though with uni offering courses in Computer Games Design this might be something to think about - does raise dilemma of which platform to buy
- A reminder of Rob Westwood's article in the current edition of the CILIP Gazette ( 9th October to 22nd October page 15) Pipe Down: Sell silence. Where he says 'we are all desperate to promote libraries unique selling points these days....have we forgotten the obvious one of Silence'. There is a time and place for something which is lacking in so much of our daily lives - the chance to think in peace and to work in silence. Another respondent observed games/ consoles as equipment or tools, not learning materials - would not expect to see them in a library.
- Wii installed in teenage library - console attached to plasma screen, controls and discs issued at staff counter with a refundable deposit of £1 to ensure everything is returned. No problems whatsoever, teenagers even unplug everything just before closing time!
- Wii simply best machine to use with groups - more interactive than a PS3 or Xbox 360. Console available at prearranged events in school holidays, no technical problems so far. Different events held for under 8 yrs and over 8s.
- Few libraries have consoles, Wii most popular, used with either projector or big screen TV. Not for loan, usually used for specific events, e.g. manga con, games tournaments etc. Crowd control of those not actively playing the games seems to be an issue, side-events might help soak these up. Unsupervised use is not allowed.
- If loaning games console equipment (as opposed to games) damage and replacement would be an issue owing to cost.
- Some sharing of equipment around libraries.
- Exclusive library opening for 11-19 year olds one evening each week. Several groups of young people consulted to decide on Wii, initially Playstation and Xbox were popular votes but age range of games was 15+ which wasn't appropriate. Also potential to use Wii (Fit/ Sports) with older folk and people with limited mobility. Few problems with shring games, a simple booking system would work well if there was a problem.
- Wii would be harder to secure as handsets can't be hard-wired to console as with other types.
- One uni running Games Design courses did hold games for students to look at, these were loanable but went out of date very quickly and couldn't keep up with changing demand so now have few or none.
- games available on 2 day loan, selected as examples of good/bad practice in the industry. Provided for those on games degrees though available for others to use. Discs are tagged to reduce chance of theft or in security boxes, no problems experienced over three years. Consoles not provided as students are likely to have these, also consoles provided in purpose built gaming lab.
- Recommended http://groups.google.co.uk/group/lib-gaming-uk which isn't amazingly busy, but may provide some useful information. Also Jenny Levine (Shifted Librarian) in the US has lots of interest and experience in this area.
- Considered but cost of games and equipment was problematic - also how to prevent students not needing games for their course borrowing so students who needed access had none available. Secure storage would have been additional cost. Aware of public libraries lending games, but did not want to go down income generation route with students needing these for their studies and have enough expense already.
- May consider setting up a games area for computing students at some point - some games lent but not many.

Many thanks again for contributions - we are going ahead with a Wii and will be taking some of the above on board in relation to managing the use within the library.

Regards,
Angela

Angela Wright
Library Manager
Redditch Library
Worcestershire