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.  Managing the Games and Preventing them from walking away...

    Posted Dec 17, 2024 11:54 AM
    Hi all,

    We have a growing Tabletop games collection at our library. However, about 5-8 games walk off (are not checked out, just leave the building and don't return) per year. We like the visual of all the games sitting on the shelves near the entrance but we don't have thief prevention gates anymore. 

    I am considering leaving empty games boxes out there, and having the patron bring the box to the check out desk, where the desk staff would place the components back into the box. All game components would be stored in bags behind the desk. Maybe something like these https://www.amazon.com/Zipper-Waterproof-Pouches-Storage-Organize/dp/B0CY5G537Q/ref=sr_1_24_sspa

    Is anyone else doing this sort of thing? I'm curious about your experience. 

    with care,
    Jeffra

    --
    Jeffra Diane Bussmann (she/her/hers), MLIS
    Librarian, Information Studies Department
    Liaison to Chemistry/Biochemistry, Mathematics, Physics
        and the Institute for STEM Education
    Interim Liaison to Earth & Environmental Sciences, 
       and Engineering

    California State University, East Bay
    University Library
    25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
    Hayward, CA 94542

    Student Visiting Hours: 
            Mondays, 1-2pm (CB 266)
            Fridays, 9-10am (zoom, reservation)
            Also by Appointment

    As a member of the Cal State East Bay community with an office on the Hayward campus, I acknowledge that I am a guest on the unceded land of the First People of this region, the present-day Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area (formerly Verona Band of Alameda County). I support the sovereignty of this Chochenyo-Ohlone-speaking tribal group and other indigenous peoples. This acknowledgment was created by the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe with the support of the CSUEB Indigenous Acknowledgement Collective and is a living document. Full CSUEB Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Land Acknowledgement  / Whose land are you on?


  • 2.  RE: Managing the Games and Preventing them from walking away...

    Posted Dec 20, 2024 12:01 PM
    We don't do this at my library because we just don't have the additional room to store the game pieces outside of their boxes. But I have seen other libraries do this - either with bags similar to what you linked, or in hanging media bags.

    You can try posting in the GameRT Facebook group or Discord server to see if folks there have feedback for you, too!


    Rebecca Strang (she/they)

    Children's Services Librarian

    Naperville Public Library

    630-637-4984 | www.naperville-lib.org

     






  • 3.  RE: Managing the Games and Preventing them from walking away...

    Posted Jan 06, 2025 08:48 AM

    That's an interesting idea, Jeffra. I hope someone who has tried this responds. We keep our games on a visible shelf behind the front circulation desk so students can see that they're there but have to ask the front desk staff for the games they'd like. We also have a printed visual list of the games at the front desk so students can browse them more easily in person. It is fortunate that we have this specific kind of shelf space as we did try putting a few games on display once and instantly lost our copy of UNO, so I understand the struggle!



    ------------------------------
    Kristen Seikaly
    User and Access Services Assistant
    Widener University
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  • 4.  RE: Managing the Games and Preventing them from walking away...

    Posted Jan 07, 2025 08:16 AM

    Hi Jeffra.

    We also have a board game and maker kit collection.  We haven't had any issues with theft with games.  We do keep our video games behind the desk.  Being an affluent suburban community is probably part of the reason we don't have problems.

    We wouldn't have space to put all of our game contents somewhere else.

    Having all of the contents fit into the box might be an issue to think about.

    Regards,

    Tom Taylor

    Director

    Andover Public Library

    1511 E. Central Ave

    Andover, KS 67002

    316-558-3500

    Fax 316-558-3503

    www.andoverlibrary.org

       



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    Thomas Taylor
    Director
    Andover Public Library
    He/Him/His
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