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.  Tabletop Games Collection Development - Core/Essential Game Lists?

    Posted 27 days ago

    Hi All!

    I am expanding my university library's tabletop game collection. I am curious if anyone here has a core or essential list developed, or if anyone has any tools to help with making selections. I want to make some smart choices with my budget, so I appreciate any help you're willing to offer.

    Also, I want to have games that are accessible for a variety of special needs too. I've attended some ALA webinars on gaming, and Meeple is a recommended site, but I haven't had much luck getting their tools to work (maybe where the site is on hiatus?).

    Anyways, I appreciate any help y'all can provide. Thanks so much!



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    Joshua Blevins
    Morehead State University
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  • 2.  RE: Tabletop Games Collection Development - Core/Essential Game Lists?

    Posted 27 days ago

    One of the first places I'd look for expanding a university library collection is something like the Dice Tower Hall of Fame or lists of nominees for the Spiel des Jahres and similar game awards. Obviously not every game on there is going to need to end up in your collection, and there are lots of good/great games that are not on these lists that you should consider. The reason I'm directing you towards them is to get a feel for what the hobby gamers are playing in general and to get a feel for the different types of games. After you collect some games though, you will want to have some way for community recommendations as ways to curate for your specific community.

    https://dicetower.com/hall-of-fame

    https://www.spiel-des-jahres.de/en/games/



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    Jonathan Griffith
    Graduated Student
    Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
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  • 3.  RE: Tabletop Games Collection Development - Core/Essential Game Lists?

    Posted 27 days ago
    Edited by Jonathan Griffith 27 days ago

    Another thing to consider, don’t be afraid to just reach out to publishers. Some might just send you a bundle of games if you ask and say it's for the library.



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    Jonathan Griffith
    Graduated Student
    Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
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  • 4.  RE: Tabletop Games Collection Development - Core/Essential Game Lists?

    Posted 27 days ago

    Here are the publishers that GameRT has collected as having programs for libraries: https://games.ala.org/library-support-and-resource-programs/. And of course I couldn't mention ways to get games without reminding you to sign up for International Games Month (every year in November). We work hard to get sponsors from the industry to donate games to libraries (physical, digital, or discounts to their stores): https://bit.ly/IGM2026registration



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    George Bergstrom
    Southern Regional Coordinator, Professional Development Office
    Indiana State Library
    He/Him/His
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Tabletop Games Collection Development - Core/Essential Game Lists?

    Posted 27 days ago

    Joshua,

    While GameRT has not labeled the Platinum Play Hall of Fame inductees as core/essential, that (for the most part) been nominated by, voted on by, and chosen by fellow GameRT members as working well in a library setting. You can find the lists and criteria on the GameRT blog here: https://games.ala.org/platinum-play-game-hall-of-fame/ the 2026 Platy winners will be added in November.

    -George



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    George Bergstrom
    Southern Regional Coordinator, Professional Development Office
    Indiana State Library
    He/Him/His
    ------------------------------