Referencing the imaginary: An analysis of library collection of role-playing game materials

Simon Clifford

Schneider, E. and Hutchinson, B. (2015). Referencing the imaginary: An analysis of library collection of role-playing game materials. The Reference Librarian, 56(3), p. 174-188. doi: 10.1080/02763877.2014.1002716

Summary
Schneider and Hutchinson examine the frequency and distribution of tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) in library collections. They find that many libraries do not carry tabletop RPGs at all, and those that do tend to have very small collections. One publisher dominates library collections with its titles accounting for over 80% of library tabletop RPG holdings. Despite a wide range of tabletop RPGs in existence from a number of publishers, library collections are small and lack diversity. They acknowledge the claim that high rates of theft may be responsible for discouraging libraries from collecting the materials, but suggest the claim is unsubstantiated, and further suggest that digital collection could offer a solution.

Evaluation
Schneider and Hutchinson have provided here a good analysis of the current state of library collections across the country. From a collection development standpoint, this article is most valuable for demonstrating the lack of diversity in library holdings on the subject. It is also valuable for discussing why libraries tend not to build these collections. Ultimately its a niche work, but great for getting a basic understanding of the topic.

Dungeons and Downloads: Collecting Tabletop Fantasy Role-playing Games in the Age of Downloadable PDFs.

Stephannie Tornow
Fall 2016

Citation

Sich, D. (2012). Dungeons and downloads: Collecting tabletop fantasy role-playing games in the age of downloadable PDFs. Collection Building, 31(2), 60-65.

Summary: Sich explains how RPGs are a great resource for libraries. As they only require rule books and/or guidebooks, they can easily and compactly be stored on the shelves (some game may require dice or figures which can be kept behind the desk). Adding RPGs to the collection could bring more people into the space to participate in this spontaneous activity. However, it is important to understand how RPG publishing works in order to avoid copyright issues. While many RPGs are available as digital PDFs, these are intended for single use. Libraries which purchase RPG PDFs for use as part of the collection may be breaching copyright.

Evaluation: This short article can feel more like an advisory than an exploratory essay or analysis, but it does have an interesting literature review on the use of RPGs in libraries.  For a look at alternative materials in collection building, it is also demonstrates how librarians should consider copyright issues has they build their collections.

Bringing them in: Developing library gaming programs

Werner, K. (2013). Bringing Them In: Developing a Gaming Program for the Library. Library Trends, 61(4), 790-801.

This article describes the development of a library card, board, video, and role-play game collection, gaming days and tournaments that fostered connections with young children, teens, and the local community and businesses.

Alongside the advertised gaming days, the library created a book club hour before gaming time for younger children, and a teen advisory board alongside their gaming time.  Creating this program, the library has become a place teens feel welcome in:  the Teen Book Club is made up of many male teens who started going to the library for the gaming events and became dedicated patrons and readers, and the Summer Reading Program doubled within a five year period.  Also, connections with businesses and community were formed as the library advertised in gaming stores and got advice, marketing tips and support.

Recommendations are given of how to start a gaming program.  Games are suggested and ways to research and find the right games are given.  Listed card, board and role-playing games for the most part can be considered ‘current.’  However, given that this article is published in 2013, the video games may be out-of-date.

Challenges are presented:  the right space for gaming time, theft, download issues, ipad and hand-held devices for gaming use is on the horizon as of 2013.  The writer points out other games may still be valuable, and still encourage participation and interest in the library.

Getting into Play: Cataloging Toys, Games and Puzzles

Washechek, Evan

BASTIANSEN, C. Y., & WHARTON, J. (2015). Getting Ready for Play!. Children & Libraries: The Journal Of The Association For Library Service To Children, 13(4), 13-29.

This article goes into great detail to show the positive effects which “free play” or allowing children unstructured time with games, puzzles or toys can have. There has been a serious reduction of the time that children have to discover things on their own. The article goes on to state all of the benefits of free play and talks specifics with regard to studies that have been done on children who have had notable increased “exploration skills, language skills, social skills, physical skills, and creativity activity”. These skills, the study goes on to note are even more important for those in poverty settings. This compounds with the sad reality of a lack of money for such toys, games and puzzles in poverty situations. The Public Library is shown to be an example for a possible solution. The Author also note just how much of the budget was spent toward the collection of the studied library. It was particularly relevant to myself as a public library employee and someone who feels strongly encouraged to help specifically those economically disadvantaged patrons.

Reflection

By expanding the collection and adding (or simply barcoding existing) toys, games and puzzles to the collection we would facilitate and foster these outcomes that are so valuable to the community. There is a certain amount of person hours which goes into a project such as this, which would be cataloging items, creating shelving/space, labeling the items as well as creating policies for their lending. This would be in addition to extra time that would be spent keeping these items sanitized. Germs would be a major factor in some libraries not lending out these kinds of items. All libraries have some responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of their items on a professional level, but items specifically for children (some of which are at high risk for disease) is even more important.