If libraries can lend out copies of blockbuster movies, then video games are not a wild leap. I think they could also be very useful if used to lure in younger people who might stop in for a video game event or to borrow one, leading them to check out a couple books as well.
Do video games belong in public libraries?
- Thread starter Librarian Mike
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I...don't know.
On the one hand, I'd be ecstatic if my library would start carrying things like Silent Hill 2, Parasite Eve, or Iko.
But on the other, I'm also inclined to say a library is for books and movies. But that's sortof the thing isn't it? For the longest time libraries were just for books. Then movies snuck their way in there and soon they were okay. I almost question whether the welcoming of games isn't inevitable, even accounting for the disc-murdering practices of most of the "civilized" world. After all, the DVDs seem to be making it okay...
But, if that is the case, then they'd have to be games like the ones I listed above (or innumerable others I'm sure people could list). Things that shine for their writing and storytelling, or their atmosphere (in the case of Silent Hill 2, shining gloriously bright). Libraries would need to carry games that MOVE you, that give you something besides the cheap thrill of guiding your digital bullets to a new home in an enemy's face.
I suppose things like Rock Band in the context of library-sponsored events are cool too, though I personally loathe rhythm games.
So yeah, it's probably inevitable. But if/when it becomes more standard practice, I hope the only games that make the cut are of the kind of calibur I'm talking about.
On the one hand, I'd be ecstatic if my library would start carrying things like Silent Hill 2, Parasite Eve, or Iko.
But on the other, I'm also inclined to say a library is for books and movies. But that's sortof the thing isn't it? For the longest time libraries were just for books. Then movies snuck their way in there and soon they were okay. I almost question whether the welcoming of games isn't inevitable, even accounting for the disc-murdering practices of most of the "civilized" world. After all, the DVDs seem to be making it okay...
But, if that is the case, then they'd have to be games like the ones I listed above (or innumerable others I'm sure people could list). Things that shine for their writing and storytelling, or their atmosphere (in the case of Silent Hill 2, shining gloriously bright). Libraries would need to carry games that MOVE you, that give you something besides the cheap thrill of guiding your digital bullets to a new home in an enemy's face.
I suppose things like Rock Band in the context of library-sponsored events are cool too, though I personally loathe rhythm games.
So yeah, it's probably inevitable. But if/when it becomes more standard practice, I hope the only games that make the cut are of the kind of calibur I'm talking about.
I don't think that for everyone its really a question of it being art or whatnot, the problem is the feasibility and the astronomically high odds of the games being trashed in a short amount of time due to general player (mis)use. Also, I've never really been to a library that could afford to keep something like an actually decent library of games, the library I go to is really nice and their stock of movies(DVDs) is mostly from donations both from members and the local videostores.Librarian Mike said:
I'm surprised so many people are so against this. Did this happen when they first started putting movies in libraries, too? I really don't know as my local library has had videos/DVDs my entire life.
There are books made for entertainment, not only information. This is a very narrow view of a library.gigastrike said:
Exactly, if the people are there, perhaps they will check out other features.tcolberg said:
If the proper steps were taken I would fully support this. It's only a matter of having funding and an open minded staff.
As much as I would like to rant about the legitimacy of video games as art, I can't bring myself to overcome internalized stereotypes and do so. I'm afraid that I don't consider video games as an intellectual pursuit on par with that for which libraries are know. Games should not be in libraries because they don't fit in the same wholesome and intellectual category as books, tapes, etc. They are far too mindless and empty and inevitably will distract kids from "better" items in the library. It'd be like putting Jerry Springer on the History Channel.
As long as this doesn't result in even MORE Library thieves, I'd be behind this. The problem arises when people take advantage of the system to steal games. The actual disks would have to be well-guarded... No putting the discs in the cases.
I use the Library for almost all my Manga and Anime needs, so why not put games in there, too? (And yes, I can read real books, too. I read the entirety of Count of Monte Cristo twice, and am planning to read a different translation all the way through for the third time. But with all my heavy College reading (History, French), sometimes a little Gin Tama is nice.)
Oh, and a little quality control with the games they pick'd be good, too. Like, say, it has to be written at least SORTA well. Something like Shadow of Destiny or Silent Hill 2'd be fine, but no Dynasty Warriors or Resident Evil games in MY Library!
I use the Library for almost all my Manga and Anime needs, so why not put games in there, too? (And yes, I can read real books, too. I read the entirety of Count of Monte Cristo twice, and am planning to read a different translation all the way through for the third time. But with all my heavy College reading (History, French), sometimes a little Gin Tama is nice.)
Oh, and a little quality control with the games they pick'd be good, too. Like, say, it has to be written at least SORTA well. Something like Shadow of Destiny or Silent Hill 2'd be fine, but no Dynasty Warriors or Resident Evil games in MY Library!
They've had PC games in certain New Zealand libraries for a number of years, no console games that I know of. You pay to borrow them like DVDs and Audio CDs they have, so I guess if it's working out for them in getting them more money for books then all the better. 
If built up a collection of new/old/obscure games then could see the point in having them in a library just like other media. If just get some of the latest blockbusters, I dont see why you'd wanna waste money just being a under-resourced, free version of Blockbusters.
give away for free? I'm not entirely sure you are wholly aware of how libraries work.Sexual Harassment Panda said:
There is also the concept that games are aspects of culture, and a library is about providing the culture of the world to the public so that they may educate themselves. I am all for it, as long as it is an absolute. Does the library intend to catalog and carry classic system titles? And you have suggested that the T rating limit will disappear eventually, important given some of the most culturally valuable game titles carry the rating of M.
If on the other hand the T rating stands, I do not support the move, it reinforces the attitude that games are toys and kids stuff. Further it indicates that the Library's goals with including games is little more than a marketing tactic to increase traffic, which I have a problem with philosophically.
But, saying that those are non-issues I have two questions:
1. Games are fairly expensive compared to other media forms like books / movies, can Library's manage the expense?
2. Is theft a problem?
How exactly do you know that? I don't think that a library would advertise that sort of thing. I would argue that that is not art either and I have no idea why they would have that. Maybe they didn't notice, or maybe they are forced to take any magazines that are donated... or maybe there are are a lot of guys working their...MaxFan said:
For the most part, I agree with your first statement. Though I don't see only carrying T rated games to be that much of a problem.mark_n_b said:
1. If libraries can afford the $50-$60 books that they have now, they can easily afford them... if the politicians governing our respective communities agree to fund them, or if people can be encouraged to donate the games.
2.Yes, but libraries already have security systems for their books, it's not unreasonable to have a security tag put on a game. There would obviously have to be some sort of security for the games.
1. I'll potentially give you that, because I am not aware of the mean price per book purchased by libraries in general (although I seriously wonder if it is in fact comparable to games) Point for Librarian Mike to answer.Spleeni said:
2. I'm not talking about that kind of theft, I'm talking about the kind of theft that involves a kid getting a library card, putting a fake phone no. addy on the application form, signing out 4 games and never returning. Wait 3 weeks, repeat process when a different guy is working the front desk.
Edit: OK, I suppose that would technically involve returning... you know what I mean...
Not anymore. I used to love going to the library when I was a kid, although I do think that eventually the Internet will render libraries useless. I do think that having games is a good way to try and get people to notice there is still a library in their town.gigastrike said:
Well, at my library you have to give a credit card number, home address, and a bunch of other information.
*shrug*
It differs from each individual library, to each State, to each country. Some are secure, others aren't. The fact of the matter remains that if there's no safeguards, of course people are going to abuse the system.
If they are only rated up to T, then there's really no point. Practically everything good is rated M, with a few notable exceptions.
I don't like it. Eventually you're going to get movies in (more than basic education films) then the number of books is going to decrease until you become a video-store with the occasional book. Maybe having 2 kinda separate parts clearly designated so that there is never any "we need to get rid of books to make space" problems and I wouldn't mind, but other than that I think they should be kept apart.
