Feature: 'Event Wrap Up - Gaming, Learning and Libraries Symposium'

In today's main Gamasutra feature, we present a report on the Gaming, Learning and Libraries Symposium, held on December 5th and 6th in Chicago, and attended by over one hundred librarians and academics discussing how to use video games in public libraries and beyond. In his introduction, author Brandon Boyer explains: "The discussions ranged far beyond simply adding console titles, gaming magazines, and strategy guides to public collections – though all were suggested practices – and into ways gaming might be strategically positioned to bridge the divide between traditionalist views of the institution as a stolid information repository and of libraries as modern civic centers. In addition, there were discussions on promoting public knowledge through all the technological avenues now available, and providing an official “third place” gathering point for communities. Fittingly, in a room flanked by a number of multi-player GameCube stations, every bit of serious discussion was counterbalanced with daily Mario Kart and Dance Dance Revolution tournaments, giving many attendees their first exposure to proper gaming culture." You can now read the full Gamasutra feature on the subject, including more write-ups on the multiple excellent sessions held at the two-day long symposium (no registration required, please feel free to link to the article from external websites).