GAMERT (Gaming) Round Table

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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.  Latest Anita Sarkeesian Video

    Posted Sep 01, 2015 06:36 AM

    In her latest video from the Tropes vs. Women in Video Games series, Anita Sarkeesian explores the concept of women as rewards in video games. In this powerful review of popular games, Sarkeesian presents compelling and chilling examples of disturbing design choices. As more of a tabletop and computer gamer, I hadn't realized the extent to which women are objectified and exploited as rewards in some of the more popular console series.


    With full understanding of the ongoing backlash that Sarkeesian has endured because of her work in this area, I wonder if the Games and Gaming Round Table might make our first attempt at a Council Resolution a recognition of Sarkeesian's work, acknowledgement of the issues that she asks us to critically consider in the media that we love, and a call for ALA and libraries to work on programming and awareness activities to address this? One possibility might be to review the highlighted examples from past videos or even to reach out to Sarkeesian for help in creating an exemplar list of games that portray gender and other roles more effectively. 


    Thoughts? 



  • 2.  RE: Latest Anita Sarkeesian Video

    Posted Sep 01, 2015 11:45 AM
    Chris,
    This is wonderful idea and I am behind it. I've been following Sarkeesian's videos for years and I love the work she does. I think this sort of critical analysis of games, gaming, and gender is desperately needed and it would be wonderful if the GameRT and ALA had a vocal role in supporting it.

    Bring on the backlash, let's do this!


    On Tue, Sep 1, 2015 at 8:40 AM, ALA Connect <connect@ala.org> wrote:


  • 3.  RE: Latest Anita Sarkeesian Video

    Posted Sep 09, 2015 10:59 PM

    Great idea! I especially love the idea of generating a list of games which get it right.

    I would very much like to see what programming and awareness activities result from this effort. Perhaps something could be rolled into International Games Day and other existing game-related events.