MHLS Gaming Survey: If your library has offered game programs for kids, teens and/or families we want to hear from you! Please take 4 minutes to fill out the brief survey. Thank you in advance for your time and response!

Interested in educating yourself about why gaming in libraries matters?

Dr. Scott Nicholson, Associate Professor at the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University is focused on transformative games and "meaningful gamification." Dr. Nicholson runs the Because Play Matters game lab [http://becauseplaymatters.com/] and GamesinLibraries.org and has this to say as an introduction to games in libraries:

• Well designed gaming programs can target families with a variety of experiences that the family can enjoy together.  
• For many patrons, games have replaced the role that movies (and television) used to play in their lives as a primary entertainment media, so the changing library is supporting the recreational media needs of a changing patronage.  
• There are many types of literacies in life that are required, but each requires the underlying skill of being able to take a new set of symbols, derive meaning, and manipulate the symbols through explicit and implicit rules.  

Dr. Scott Nicholson

"Transformative games are games designed to change people. They also are known as serious games or games for change," says Dr. Nicholson. He uses the terms "games," "simulations," and "experiential learning" interchangeably.

"Meaningful gamification is focused on using game design elements to help people find meaning and deeper 

MHLS applauds the MHLS member libraries that have participated in SNAPSHOTNY: A Day in the Life of a Library!

• Heermance Memorial Library (Coxsackie)
• Blodgett Memorial Library (Fishkill)
• Desmond-Fish Library (Garrison)
• Kingston Library
• Pawling Public Library
• Poughkeepsie Public Library District
• Red Hook Public Library
• Saugerties Public Library
• Grinnell Public Library (Wappingers Falls)
• Woodstock Public Library District

These libraries have helped to contribute to a vital story being told in Albany of the essential nature of library services in New York State. Their photos capture their connections with community members and the enthusiasm and delight of the thousands of library users in New York! You can see their photos on the ProtectNYLibraries.org Pinterest page. 

"Human Library" Webinar to be offered by the New York Library Association: On Thursday February 13, from 2:00-3:00pm, you have the opportunity to learn about the wildly successful "Human Library" program from Toronto Library Director, Linda Hazzan: "Real Books & Real Conversations: How to Organize A Human Library In Your Community"

The Human Library program was pioneered in Copenhagen in 2000. In 2010, Toronto Public Library piloted an adaptation of this program to great success, garnering international media attention, including a mention on Oprah.com.  

What is a "Human Library"? "The Human Library is an innovative method designed to promote dialogue, reduce prejudices and encourage understanding. The main characteristics of the project are to be found in its simplicity and positive approach.  

"... Visitors to a Human Library are given the opportunity to speak informally with "people on loan"; this latter group being extremely varied in age, sex and cultural background.  

"The Human Library enables groups to break stereotypes by challenging the most common prejudices in a positive and humorous manner. It is a concrete, easily transferable and affordable way of promoting tolerance and understanding." [From HumanLibrary.org]

The latest Java release (update 51 or later) is causing problems with Sierra's Web Management Reports that are found at http://midhudsonlibraries.org/manage/ 

To fix this:

1. Open your Java console and use the security tab;
2. Edit the site list to add http://midhudsonlibraries.org and https://midhudsonlibraries.org. 
3. You will see a prompt encouraging you not to update the sites but click 'continue' anyway!

If you have any problems with this, please feel free to email or call MHLS Tech Support: at x240 or techsupport@midhudson.org