GAMERT (Gaming) Round Table

last person joined: 17 hours ago 

The mission of the Games and Gaming Round Table is to provide the following:
  • A forum for the exchange of ideas and concerns surrounding games in libraries;
  • Resources to the library community to support the building and maintaining of library game collections;
  • A force for initiating and supporting game programming in libraries;
  • Create an awareness of, and need for, the support of the value of gaming and play in libraries, schools, and related learning communities.
  • Create an awareness of the value of games and gaming in library outreach and community engagement plans.
  • A professional and social forum for networking among librarians and non-librarians interested in games and gaming.
  • 1.  A Wrap Up of Annual

    Posted Jun 28, 2016 08:35 AM

    Hello Everyone


    I first wanted to say that I am very excited to start my term as president of the Round Table. I had the opportunity to talk with both board members and the general membership and there is a lot of excitement and enthusiasm moving forward.


    Two big things that we will be working on is this coming year is consolidating the voice of the GameRT, providing a central outreach to membership and publishers that speaks to all of the ways that they can be involved. The second is increasing our outreach and communication with the membership, creating conversational spaces and resources where members and interests are. So look for GameRT communities to pop up in steam, BGG and more.


    This year's annual was a great success. ALAPlay had 400+ people pass through to explore, learn and play. A huge thanks to all the members who helped put together and run the event.



    • We had 10 local Orlando game designers come in to showcase their games in the Unpub area.

    • Diane Robson and her team from UNT brought in an Oculus Rift along with other devices to share in the digital petting zoo.

    • I ran two hybrid escape room games

    • Paizo, Konami, Haba, Mayfair, Asmodee, Fantasy Flight and Word Winder were there demoing their games for attendees.

    • PHD Games came in with a team of folk who ran demos of some of the most popular games as well.


    The GameRT Booth on the exhibit floor did a great job of outreach, sharing the great work that we do with attendees. Another huge thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out in that space. Our booth hosted ourselves, along with HABA Games and Konami. We were able to generate a lot of excitement about the RT with new librarians and we got great feedback from members as well.


    Connected with the booth was the Gaming Lounge, a 20x20 space on the exhibit floor that featured publisher demos, open gaming and a sharing session. The lounge continues to grow and was well utilized for most of the hours it was open.


    The GameRT also had a number of associated sessions and events that were well received. 



    • Saturday morning a panel of librarians and industry experts spoke on the role of games in libraries to over 50 attendees on the Gaming and Graphic Novel Stage.

    • Saturday morning also featured the International Games Day Committee meeting which generated a lot of interest and enthusiasm. We already have over 300 libraries signed up to participate.

    • Saturday afternoon, NY and Chicago Public Libraries talked about initiatives to a standing room of close to 80 people at the GameRT's sponsored session.

    • Sunday morning, a team from the University of North Texas shared tips and tricks for preserving and processing games for efficient circulation.

    • Sunday afternoon featured a number of librarians who took part in a sharing session in the game lounge with topics that covered: Escape Rooms, Preservation and Processing, Genrification and Cataloging, Gaming Events, and the Duskers video game club.


    It was a fantastic conference with a lot of positive energy and excitement. I am very much looking to working with the board to continue to grow the Round Table and move forward into new areas.



  • 2.  RE: A Wrap Up of Annual

    Posted Jun 28, 2016 10:33 AM

    Thanks for the wrap up! I wasn't able to go this year, but I'm hoping to be there next year.

    I'm going to be working on getting the kids at my library gaming this summer. It's not something they really "get" yet, but I've been showing my coworkers how to play a few games, hoping we can all get together and run a program for the kids that will grow nicely.

     



  • 3.  RE: A Wrap Up of Annual

    Posted Jun 29, 2016 10:39 AM

    Sounds like another successful year - great work to everyone!



  • 4.  RE: A Wrap Up of Annual

    Posted Jul 06, 2016 02:24 PM

    I stopped by the booth at Annual and love the work you're doing. I'd love to get more involved with your work.



  • 5.  RE: A Wrap Up of Annual

    Posted Jul 12, 2016 06:24 AM

    Thanks Kate for reaching out. We are going to do some settling and organizing and then I will do a call out here on connect and other spaces as well. I will definitely be in touch!