Games & Gaming #37

I read the NYTBS article on the topic of gaming in the library and it was very informative. The article focused on the New York Public Library and its Friday afternoon game sessions. The library claims to own 2,500 copies of 92 different games, that are available for circulation during one-week intervals. I think having games available at the library is a smart way to increase youth participation at the library. The games will attract kids who normally would not want to hang out at a "boring old library", and this may cause them to venture over to the other resources that the library offers, such as magazines, CD's, or even a book! I played the "I'll Get It" game that was on the Carnegie Mellon University Library's website. The object of the game was to help your peers find research tools for a certain question. This cartoon figure would pick up a piece of paper from one of his peers and take it over to the catalog. The catalog displayed different available resources that could help answer the question. I had to choose between looking in the books, periodicals, or electronic database section. It was fun once I got the hang of it!

Games & Gaming #36

I visited Runescape, registered with the site, and created my own avatar. My avatar had light brown skin, black short hair, medium build, and small feet. She was wearing a blue long sleeved shirt, blue pants, and black boots. I wasn't sure how to take a screenshot of the avatar, so I did not post it on here. I did not find it easy to get around the Runescape site. Once the game started, I was basically stuck inside the house that the avatar was originally in, because I was not sure how to get her out of there. I could not find an exit door, and there were two other avatars in there that looked at me like I was crazy! I only knew how to point my mouse to a specific location on the computer, and the avatar would walk in that direction. If I had more time, I could possibly figure out how to play the game. If I get bored at home, I might solve this mystery.

Games & Gaming #35

I visited the website, http://www.freerice.com/, and I really enjoyed it! It is a site that allows you to enhance your vocabulary skills by playing a game where you have to choose the best definition for a certain word. The best part about it is that the site donates 20 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program for every correct answer that you get. I enjoyed playing the game and I actually donated 2,520 grains of rice! That makes me feel very, very good! The sponsors listed at the bottom of the page within that site, are the ones who donate the money to pay for the rice. This site actually accomplishes two things at one time: enhance people's vocabulary & feed the hungry. What a wonderful website, I will recommend it to all of my friends!