Re: [LM_NET] Games, no way

[janet perry <perrybros@HOTMAIL.COM>]

I agree that we, as librarians, need to keep current with the technologies 
that kids are using, or we could very easily become like the 
dinosaurs-extinct.  However, I don't see why I should be letting the kids do 
computer games or instant messaging in the library.  Before computers we 
didn't let them play cards or other games, and we didn't let them use the 
phone to call their friends during school.  What is the difference?

My thought is that if I let the kids play games in the library, the library 
would become a video arcade, and, once again I must point out, I am a 
professional librarian.  If the district wants a video arcade, they can hire 
a minimum wage employee with a club to monitor the students.

I know there are circumstances where games on or off the computer are used 
as educational tools.  I am not making any judgments aboutl what teachers do 
in their classrooms.  I just know, that in my situation, many of the 
students who come to the library during their "study hall" have no intention 
of studying.  If I added games and IM as an option, it would really be a 
free-for-all.  We do allow kids to use the computers in the library for 
email or other personal things during study hall.  However, we now have a 
policy that if you are on the ineligible list, you may only use the computer 
for school work.  I envy all of you who work in libraries where kids 
actually come in to use the library for educational reasons, not as a social 
gathering place, or just to get out of study hall.  I spend a lot of my time 
"babysitting" kids who can't seem to keep themselves under control unless 
I'm sitting right there.  Of course, there is a plus side to this 
babysitting.  I have gotten a lot of books in my collection read while 
sitting.  So, I guess there can be good along with the bad.

As always, we just have to do the best we can with what we have to work 
with.  If we remember to keep the kids benefit first, we'll probably do a 
good job.

Off my soap box for this week.





Janet Perry, Librarian
Cerro Gordo CUSD 100, Cerro Gordo, IL
perrybros@hotmail.com

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