by GameSpot, 4/27/06
"In a surprise announcement this morning, Nintendo revealed the new name of its forthcoming game system: Wii." Thanks matt!
Friday, April 28, 2006
Upcoming Programs at Alliance Second Life Library 2.0
A Guide to Second Life for Newbie Librarians
Date: Saturday, April 29, 2006
Time: 5:00PM - 6:00PM (60 minutes)
Location: Minoa (205,85)
Host: Rain Noonan
Category: Education
Cover Charge? No
Event description: Katt Kongo, Publisher of the Metaverse Messenger will provide a brief introduction to Second Life Librarians who are new - and tips and tricks for living a Second Life. She will also take questions.The training session will be on the roof of the library.
How to Start and Run a Business in Second Life
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2006
Time: 5:00PM - 6:00PM (60 minutes)
Location: Minoa (205,85)
Host: Rain Noonan
Category: Education
Cover Charge? No
Event description: If you are interested in finding out how to run a business in Second Life, how it works, and ideas for starting one, come to this program on the roof at Alliance Second Life Library 2.0. The presenter is Katt Kongo, Publisher of the Metaverse Messenger. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Video Game News, April 26, 2006
The Escapist Magazine issue #42: The Answer to Everything is now available at http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/42; abstracts online at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com
BBC to Learn From Video Games
by Lisa Foster, MCV: THe Entertainment Weekly 4/26/06
"Revealing an ‘editorial blueprint’ for the future of the BBC, Thompson warned that the Corporation needs to work harder to reach younger audiences."
Video Games Give Your Gray Matter a Workout
by Lou Kesten, AP 4/25/06
"On the scale of intellectual pursuits - with 10 being Mozart and 1 being pornography - video games are usually seen as ranking around 2 or 3, somewhere between hair metal and Larry the Cable Guy. And that's not fair, because a really good, challenging game exercises parts of your brain that movies, music and "American Idol" can't touch."
BLOG: Oklahoma Senate OKs Violent-Games Bill
by Leslie Katz, Gaming Blog 4/25/06
"The Oklahoma Senate on Monday unanimously approved a controversial bill that would make it a crime to sell violent video games to children under 18, according to The Oklahoman."
A Lawmaker's Life: Banning Games, Protecting The Press
by Luke Smith, PC Magazine, 4/25/06
"Yee remained adamant during our chat with him that he was a defender of First Amendment rights and wasn't lashing out at those rights in his construction of AB 1179."
GameHers Group Fosters Love of Video Games
By Lauren Ober, Free Press Staff Writer 4/25/06
" Gelish, a self-confessed zombie enthusiast with a fierce lip ring and tattoos on her arms and neck -- one of which is the symbol of her favorite video game, Resident Evil -- grew up playing video games."
Reading is Virtually Fundamental in Second Life
by Katt Kongo, The Metaverse Messenger 4/25/06
"While most Second Life residents are aware of the variety of ways in which SL is used, from educational classrooms to treatment of mental illnesses, msot would be surprised to learn that SL is now being used by an institution that most think of as conventional--a library."
BBC to Learn From Video Games
by Lisa Foster, MCV: THe Entertainment Weekly 4/26/06
"Revealing an ‘editorial blueprint’ for the future of the BBC, Thompson warned that the Corporation needs to work harder to reach younger audiences."
Video Games Give Your Gray Matter a Workout
by Lou Kesten, AP 4/25/06
"On the scale of intellectual pursuits - with 10 being Mozart and 1 being pornography - video games are usually seen as ranking around 2 or 3, somewhere between hair metal and Larry the Cable Guy. And that's not fair, because a really good, challenging game exercises parts of your brain that movies, music and "American Idol" can't touch."
BLOG: Oklahoma Senate OKs Violent-Games Bill
by Leslie Katz, Gaming Blog 4/25/06
"The Oklahoma Senate on Monday unanimously approved a controversial bill that would make it a crime to sell violent video games to children under 18, according to The Oklahoman."
A Lawmaker's Life: Banning Games, Protecting The Press
by Luke Smith, PC Magazine, 4/25/06
"Yee remained adamant during our chat with him that he was a defender of First Amendment rights and wasn't lashing out at those rights in his construction of AB 1179."
GameHers Group Fosters Love of Video Games
By Lauren Ober, Free Press Staff Writer 4/25/06
" Gelish, a self-confessed zombie enthusiast with a fierce lip ring and tattoos on her arms and neck -- one of which is the symbol of her favorite video game, Resident Evil -- grew up playing video games."
Reading is Virtually Fundamental in Second Life
by Katt Kongo, The Metaverse Messenger 4/25/06
"While most Second Life residents are aware of the variety of ways in which SL is used, from educational classrooms to treatment of mental illnesses, msot would be surprised to learn that SL is now being used by an institution that most think of as conventional--a library."
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Second Life Library 2.0 Meeting
Pathfinder Linden (in the green wizard hat) called participants at tonight's Second Life Library 2.0 meeting "pioneers" as a group of librarians met to discuss the the new in-game library. As the talk turned to publicizing our presence, Pathfinder gave great suggestions such as participating in a the current culture fair "Dreams" and installing a kiosk that links to his directory of Real Life Education Places in Second LifeAfter he left, committees were set up to deal with various aspects of SL such as programs, collections, staffing the reference desk, a grand opening celebration and more. Programs via OPAL, a monthly book discussion, guides on how to use the library, a donation box, roving reference, a column in the Metaverse Messenger, and a "book" mobile were just a few of the ideas tossed around.
Issues such as confidentiality, a teen space on Teen Second Life, PG appropriateness of materials and behavior, and a formal style of government for the new space were also discussed.
The meeting was attended by a local e-book vendor and an author as well as 20-25 librarians. As the discussion evolved to formal hours and training, one librarian warned "don't build a traditional library in cyberspace - that isn't the idea here folks," before departing.
Complete meeting minutes should be posted over on the Second Life blog at http://secondlifelibrary.blogspot.com
Stay tuned - and the next time you are logged into Second Life, teleport over to Minoa Heights and look us up! Coordinates 200, 85, 111 puts you right outside the door.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Not Library 2.0
Ok last Flickr post.
I found this today, and I wanted to show librarians how patrons feel about gaming in libraries
I found this today, and I wanted to show librarians how patrons feel about gaming in libraries
More Second Life Library 2.0
Discussion Area
Originally uploaded by planetneutral.
Rooftop presentation area
Originally uploaded by planetneutral.
I hope you join us at Minoa 244, 110, 112 or check out what Kelly is doing in Teen Second Life
Feel free to stop by any time. Today we have a presentation: Introduction to Library Research at 1pm Pacific Standard time. Tuesday night we are having a book discussion group, then an organizational meeting starting at 6pm Pacific Standard Time or 9pm eastern.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Video Game News, April 23, 2006
My Virtual Life
by Rob Crane, Business Week 5/1/06
"Residents spend a quarter of the time they're logged in, a total of nearly 23,000 hours a day, creating things that become part of the world, available to everyone else. It would take a paid 4,100-person software team to do all that, says Linden Lab. Assuming those programmers make about $100,000 a year, that would be $410 million worth of free work over a year."
Realism's the Goal in Games to Entice Video Investment
by Daniel Lovering, AP 4/23/06
"Most serious games appeal to a niche market and seek to educate and train public officials, students and professionals in various fields using video simulations, technology the military has used for years."
Taking New World Notes: An embedded journalist's rough guide to reporting from inside the Internet's next evolution
by Wagner James AU, First Monday 1/18/06
"The worldwide growth of MMOs is one of the most misreported technology stories in recent years, pigeonholed as mere online entertainment when it is really the harbinger of the new global economy and culture, in ways that even noted thinkers like Thomas Friedman don’t understand."
Glitches Plaguing Pricey Video Games
by Jeanette Pavini CBS5 4/24/06
“I just want a video game disc that works,” says Gwynn.
Games Industry Battles New Legislation
by Paul Hyma, Game Daily Biz 4/24/06
"Legislation aimed at video game sales is on the rise again. But this time the industry is fighting back with projects such as a Web site for gamers who vote."
ISAN Expands to Cover Video Games
PRNewswire 4/24/06
ISAN International Agency (ISAN-IA) announced today the 'ISAN Video Games Schema', new descriptive metadata linked to the ISAN standard enabling the video games industry to accurately, permanently and uniquely identify each of its works.
by Rob Crane, Business Week 5/1/06
"Residents spend a quarter of the time they're logged in, a total of nearly 23,000 hours a day, creating things that become part of the world, available to everyone else. It would take a paid 4,100-person software team to do all that, says Linden Lab. Assuming those programmers make about $100,000 a year, that would be $410 million worth of free work over a year."
Realism's the Goal in Games to Entice Video Investment
by Daniel Lovering, AP 4/23/06
"Most serious games appeal to a niche market and seek to educate and train public officials, students and professionals in various fields using video simulations, technology the military has used for years."
Taking New World Notes: An embedded journalist's rough guide to reporting from inside the Internet's next evolution
by Wagner James AU, First Monday 1/18/06
"The worldwide growth of MMOs is one of the most misreported technology stories in recent years, pigeonholed as mere online entertainment when it is really the harbinger of the new global economy and culture, in ways that even noted thinkers like Thomas Friedman don’t understand."
Glitches Plaguing Pricey Video Games
by Jeanette Pavini CBS5 4/24/06
“I just want a video game disc that works,” says Gwynn.
Games Industry Battles New Legislation
by Paul Hyma, Game Daily Biz 4/24/06
"Legislation aimed at video game sales is on the rise again. But this time the industry is fighting back with projects such as a Web site for gamers who vote."
ISAN Expands to Cover Video Games
PRNewswire 4/24/06
ISAN International Agency (ISAN-IA) announced today the 'ISAN Video Games Schema', new descriptive metadata linked to the ISAN standard enabling the video games industry to accurately, permanently and uniquely identify each of its works.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Second Life Library 2.0
I'm the one with the Box on my head. Needless to say I still am learning how to use Second Life. Don't be intimidated, come join us and have fun. We are located at Minoa (251,118)
Communication Between Techies and Non-Techies--Second Life Library 2.0
The first Library 2.0 Event went extremely well. We listened to the presentation and sat chatting. I was a great event, although somewhat clunky to switch between windows.
The Next event will be Tuesday-Book Discussion Group. More information can be found at http://secondlifelibrary.blogspot.com/
Sorry I have been so silent, I am working on a Final.
The Next event will be Tuesday-Book Discussion Group. More information can be found at http://secondlifelibrary.blogspot.com/
Sorry I have been so silent, I am working on a Final.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Video Game News, April 21, 2006
Library Fights Hard to Begin New Chapter
by Rick Hampson, USA Today, 4/19/06
"I'd rather see them in here playing computer games than on the street."
Some Video Games Portray Women as Stupid, Easy
by Tiera Oliver, Dixie Sun 4/19/06
"For the last 10 years in the media we’ve heard the phrase “sex sells” and it has proven to be true; sex sells cars, sex sells food, sex sells movies, and now sex sells video games."
Cheer Up! Video Games are in Great Shape
by Ernest Adams, Gamasutra 4/21/06
"So just in case you're depressed about games at the moment, here's a list of things I think we have to feel good about."
Spring Cleaning the Internet Way - Recycling CDs, DVDs and Games!
Growth Ventures Group 4/21/06
"In the past year, a slew of new internet sites has made it easier and cheaper to recycle old media."
Video Games Can Create Unhealthy Addictions
by Justin Jaksha, the Lariat Online 4/21/06
"ake into account the hours spent practicing, competition and cash prices and you've got to beg the question -- has gaming become a legitimate sport?"
The Crying Game
by Mark Wallace, The Escapist 4/21/06
"Can the "art" of videogames ever make the transition from assets to expression? Or, put another way: Can a videogame make you cry?"
Automakers Play to Strengths of Video Games
by Rant W. Repsher, AutoWeek 4/21/06
"Automakers are using the latest online technology to create video games aimed at boosting awareness and capturing sales leads."
by Rick Hampson, USA Today, 4/19/06
"I'd rather see them in here playing computer games than on the street."
Some Video Games Portray Women as Stupid, Easy
by Tiera Oliver, Dixie Sun 4/19/06
"For the last 10 years in the media we’ve heard the phrase “sex sells” and it has proven to be true; sex sells cars, sex sells food, sex sells movies, and now sex sells video games."
Cheer Up! Video Games are in Great Shape
by Ernest Adams, Gamasutra 4/21/06
"So just in case you're depressed about games at the moment, here's a list of things I think we have to feel good about."
Spring Cleaning the Internet Way - Recycling CDs, DVDs and Games!
Growth Ventures Group 4/21/06
"In the past year, a slew of new internet sites has made it easier and cheaper to recycle old media."
Video Games Can Create Unhealthy Addictions
by Justin Jaksha, the Lariat Online 4/21/06
"ake into account the hours spent practicing, competition and cash prices and you've got to beg the question -- has gaming become a legitimate sport?"
The Crying Game
by Mark Wallace, The Escapist 4/21/06
"Can the "art" of videogames ever make the transition from assets to expression? Or, put another way: Can a videogame make you cry?"
Automakers Play to Strengths of Video Games
by Rant W. Repsher, AutoWeek 4/21/06
"Automakers are using the latest online technology to create video games aimed at boosting awareness and capturing sales leads."
Monday, April 17, 2006
Video Game News, April 18, 2006
BLOG: The Democratization of Entertainment
by Greg Costikyan, Games Design Art Culture 4/17/06
"...it occurs to me that the video game industry has, in some ways, betrayed the democratic nature of the form it sells."
The Escapist, Issue #42: Can a Game Make You Cry? now available. Article abstracts at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
Video Games May Lead To Aches, Pains: Parents should set limits for children
by Kim Adams, Kim's Good Health/Click on Detroit 4/18/06
"Computer and video games may pose a future risk for some adult aches and pains, Local 4's Good Health reporter Kim Adams said."
Video Games Get TV Showcase
AP, 4/18/06
"SAN JOSE — Professional video gaming is set to debut on cable television this year, potentially paving the way for the reigning game players to become as familiar to American households as the faces of Johnny Chan or Annie Duke in televised poker."
by Greg Costikyan, Games Design Art Culture 4/17/06
"...it occurs to me that the video game industry has, in some ways, betrayed the democratic nature of the form it sells."
The Escapist, Issue #42: Can a Game Make You Cry? now available. Article abstracts at http://blog.escapistmagazine.com/
Video Games May Lead To Aches, Pains: Parents should set limits for children
by Kim Adams, Kim's Good Health/Click on Detroit 4/18/06
"Computer and video games may pose a future risk for some adult aches and pains, Local 4's Good Health reporter Kim Adams said."
Video Games Get TV Showcase
AP, 4/18/06
"SAN JOSE — Professional video gaming is set to debut on cable television this year, potentially paving the way for the reigning game players to become as familiar to American households as the faces of Johnny Chan or Annie Duke in televised poker."
Video Game News April 17, 2006
Games children play: A new study reveals that children who play video games are better performers, says Shubhobroto Ghosh
The Telegraph 4/16/06
"However, a recent study conducted among 100 university undergraduates at the University of York, soon to be published in the Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, says that video gamers consistently out performed their peers in a series of tricky mental tests. The best performers were found to be adept video gamers and were bilingual."
The Video Game Librarian: Breaking the M-Rated Barrier
by John Scalzo, Gaming Target 4/17/06
"Through their connections to other bits of pop culture (and in one case, a piece of Literature with a capital L), these games would be seen as more acceptable than most. "
Video games on Your TV?
by Peter Pollack, Ars Technica 4/17/06
"If you're tired of actually playing video games and are looking for a new pastime that doesn't require quite so much hand-eye coordination, you'll have something to look forward to this fall: video gaming is coming to cable TV."
"However, a recent study conducted among 100 university undergraduates at the University of York, soon to be published in the Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, says that video gamers consistently out performed their peers in a series of tricky mental tests. The best performers were found to be adept video gamers and were bilingual."
The Video Game Librarian: Breaking the M-Rated Barrier
by John Scalzo, Gaming Target 4/17/06
"Through their connections to other bits of pop culture (and in one case, a piece of Literature with a capital L), these games would be seen as more acceptable than most. "
Video games on Your TV?
by Peter Pollack, Ars Technica 4/17/06
"If you're tired of actually playing video games and are looking for a new pastime that doesn't require quite so much hand-eye coordination, you'll have something to look forward to this fall: video gaming is coming to cable TV."
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Top XBox 360 Games for April
List by Game Informer
1. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Bethesda Softworks
2. Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, Ubisoft
3. Fight Night: Round 3, EA Sports
4. Burnout: Revenge, Electronic Arts
5. Call of Duty 2, Activision
6. Dead or Alive 4, Tecmo
7. Project Gotham Racing 3, Microsoft Game Studios
8. Peter Jackson's King Kong, Ubisoft
9. Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Electronic Arts
10. NBA 2K6, 2K Sports
1. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Bethesda Softworks
2. Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, Ubisoft
3. Fight Night: Round 3, EA Sports
4. Burnout: Revenge, Electronic Arts
5. Call of Duty 2, Activision
6. Dead or Alive 4, Tecmo
7. Project Gotham Racing 3, Microsoft Game Studios
8. Peter Jackson's King Kong, Ubisoft
9. Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Electronic Arts
10. NBA 2K6, 2K Sports
Video Game News, April 17, 2006
Galactica to move across mediums
by Reuters, 4/12/06
It makes sense for Battlestar Galactica to delve into video games as game publishers are looking to team up with Hollywood for such films as "The Godfather," "Scarface," "Jaws," "Dirty Harry," "Star Trek" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."
Reefer Madness meets Video Games
by Lowell Sun, 4/15/06
Study finds that, "violent video games may lead to drinking alcohol, smoking pot and having unprotected sex."
Capcom's Pre-E3 Lineup
by Game Informer, 4/14/06
Titles which mostly include Xbox 360 and PSP games. . .
GTA Made Me Do It
by 1Up.com, 4/14/06
Lawyer says that playing GTA definitely influenced this case. By the way, check out this tshirt.
Pop Art and Video Game Culture Collide
by Brian Crecente, Rocky Mountain News, 4/3/06
A collection of more than 120 pieces of game-inspired art by Jon Gibson
Games Children Play
by The Telegraph, Calcutta, India, 4/16/06
"A new study reveals that children who play video games are better performers."
by Reuters, 4/12/06
It makes sense for Battlestar Galactica to delve into video games as game publishers are looking to team up with Hollywood for such films as "The Godfather," "Scarface," "Jaws," "Dirty Harry," "Star Trek" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."
Reefer Madness meets Video Games
by Lowell Sun, 4/15/06
Study finds that, "violent video games may lead to drinking alcohol, smoking pot and having unprotected sex."
Capcom's Pre-E3 Lineup
by Game Informer, 4/14/06
Titles which mostly include Xbox 360 and PSP games. . .
GTA Made Me Do It
by 1Up.com, 4/14/06
Lawyer says that playing GTA definitely influenced this case. By the way, check out this tshirt.
Pop Art and Video Game Culture Collide
by Brian Crecente, Rocky Mountain News, 4/3/06
A collection of more than 120 pieces of game-inspired art by Jon Gibson
Games Children Play
by The Telegraph, Calcutta, India, 4/16/06
"A new study reveals that children who play video games are better performers."
Friday, April 14, 2006
Metroblogging: Azeroth
It's not quite Overheard in New York, but the idea of blogging a videogame world is kind of interesting...
Video Game News April 14, 2006
Speaking Volumes: The Use of Voice In Video Games: We examine how speech can be used to enhance gaming.
by Robert Workman, Game Daily 4/14/06
"...the power of voice cannot really be denied in video games."
i wanna rock
by Wil Wheaton, Wil Wheaton dot Net in Exhile 4/14/06
"Guitar Hero is the most fun I've ever had with a pretend guitar, and let me tell you something: I've spent a lot of time playing with pretend guitars, long before Journey make air instruments popular in the video for Separate Ways."
Licensed Insanity
by Dana Massey, the Escapist Magazine 4/14/06
"Movie tie-ins, sports titles, TV shows on your desktop. Licenses seem to have a death grip on the videogame industry."
by Robert Workman, Game Daily 4/14/06
"...the power of voice cannot really be denied in video games."
i wanna rock
by Wil Wheaton, Wil Wheaton dot Net in Exhile 4/14/06
"Guitar Hero is the most fun I've ever had with a pretend guitar, and let me tell you something: I've spent a lot of time playing with pretend guitars, long before Journey make air instruments popular in the video for Separate Ways."
Licensed Insanity
by Dana Massey, the Escapist Magazine 4/14/06
"Movie tie-ins, sports titles, TV shows on your desktop. Licenses seem to have a death grip on the videogame industry."
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
NEW! LINKS!
I finally added some links to the sidebar on the right. What else would be helpful to link to? Please leave your suggestions under "comments."
Video Game News April 12, 2006
Best Buy and Microsoft to Promote Video Games Safety, Ratings
GameInfoWire 4/11/06
"Best Buy and Microsoft have announced a campaign to educate consumers about the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system for video games, and to highlight family settings available in electronic gaming consoles like Xbox 360."
Video Games Making you Thirsty?
Vancouver Sun 4/12/06
Advertising has been creeping into videogames in the past few years as virtual billboards that hawk real-world products like soft drinks and computer gear.
Product Showcase: Spring Video Games
Playthings 4/12/06
Promos for Monsters (Midway), Cabbage Patch Kids (D3 Publishers), Final Fantasty XI (Square Enix)and Dig for Dinos (Majesco).
'Brain Games’ to Invade U.S.: Nintendo’s efforts, popular in Japan, engage prefrontal cortex
by Brian D. Crecente, Scripps Howard News Service 4/12/06
"Five years ago, a Japanese professor released a study that asserted video games stunt brain development and could lead to anti-social behavior. Now you can find that same professor’s likeness in a game based on that research."
The Escapist, Issue #40: Dungeons & Dollars
"Eight months ago The Escapist focused an entire issue on the economics of gaming, looking at the way the industry earns money and the gamers spend it. Our authors take another look at the same topic in this week's issue of The Escapist: Dungeons & Dollars." Article abstracts at the Escapist Lounge.
GameInfoWire 4/11/06
"Best Buy and Microsoft have announced a campaign to educate consumers about the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system for video games, and to highlight family settings available in electronic gaming consoles like Xbox 360."
Video Games Making you Thirsty?
Vancouver Sun 4/12/06
Advertising has been creeping into videogames in the past few years as virtual billboards that hawk real-world products like soft drinks and computer gear.
Product Showcase: Spring Video Games
Playthings 4/12/06
Promos for Monsters (Midway), Cabbage Patch Kids (D3 Publishers), Final Fantasty XI (Square Enix)and Dig for Dinos (Majesco).
'Brain Games’ to Invade U.S.: Nintendo’s efforts, popular in Japan, engage prefrontal cortex
by Brian D. Crecente, Scripps Howard News Service 4/12/06
"Five years ago, a Japanese professor released a study that asserted video games stunt brain development and could lead to anti-social behavior. Now you can find that same professor’s likeness in a game based on that research."
The Escapist, Issue #40: Dungeons & Dollars
"Eight months ago The Escapist focused an entire issue on the economics of gaming, looking at the way the industry earns money and the gamers spend it. Our authors take another look at the same topic in this week's issue of The Escapist: Dungeons & Dollars." Article abstracts at the Escapist Lounge.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Alliance Library System and OPAL to open: An Alliance of Libraries 2.0 on Second Life
Alliance Library System and OPAL (Online Programming for All Libraries) – are pleased to announce that selected OPAL programs will soon be offered in the online virtual reality game Second Life. Book discussions, training sessions, and other programs will be offered to current virtual residents. The goal of the project is to promote the real library and online library services to adults who might not otherwise use the library. What is Second Life? Second Life is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by nearly 200,000 people from around the globe. There are shopping malls, events, homes, lands of different types, and best of all, participants can contribute content, buildings, and other digital creations.
“We are excited to be offering new outreach programs, events, and services to people who might not otherwise come to the library,” stated Kitty Pope, Executive Director of the Alliance Library System. “Second Life has almost 200,000 residents and is rapidly growing in popularity. This will allow us to see what works and what does not work in this area. Second Life has malls, residential neighborhoods, online communities – why not a library?”
Alliance Library System and OPAL are teaming up to utilize the programs currently offered online to librarians and library users to extend the programs to the Second Life virtual reality game. Although there are a couple of libraries currently on Second Life, none currently offers programs or services. Alliance and OPAL will start with programs and eventually hope to offer library services.
Second Life also now has a Teen Second Life. If adult programs are successful, the group will work to offer library services in Teen Second Life. Librarians who would like to become involved and receive updates on this collaborative project can join a google group set up for the new service at http://groups.google.com/group/alliancesecondlife
Interested librarians may also contact Lori Bell at lbell@alliancelibrarysystem.com for an invitation to join the group.
“We invite any librarian interested in working on this exciting project to join us,” remarked Kitty Pope. “After we offer some programs, if they are successful, we will want to expand to offer additional programs and services.”
Alliance will begin Second Life programming in June 2006. Alliance Library System is a regional library system located in East Peoria, Illinois with 260 library members of all types. Alliance offers continuing education, consulting, resource sharing, and delivery service to members.
“We are excited to be offering new outreach programs, events, and services to people who might not otherwise come to the library,” stated Kitty Pope, Executive Director of the Alliance Library System. “Second Life has almost 200,000 residents and is rapidly growing in popularity. This will allow us to see what works and what does not work in this area. Second Life has malls, residential neighborhoods, online communities – why not a library?”
Alliance Library System and OPAL are teaming up to utilize the programs currently offered online to librarians and library users to extend the programs to the Second Life virtual reality game. Although there are a couple of libraries currently on Second Life, none currently offers programs or services. Alliance and OPAL will start with programs and eventually hope to offer library services.
Second Life also now has a Teen Second Life. If adult programs are successful, the group will work to offer library services in Teen Second Life. Librarians who would like to become involved and receive updates on this collaborative project can join a google group set up for the new service at http://groups.google.com/group/alliancesecondlife
Interested librarians may also contact Lori Bell at lbell@alliancelibrarysystem.com for an invitation to join the group.
“We invite any librarian interested in working on this exciting project to join us,” remarked Kitty Pope. “After we offer some programs, if they are successful, we will want to expand to offer additional programs and services.”
Alliance will begin Second Life programming in June 2006. Alliance Library System is a regional library system located in East Peoria, Illinois with 260 library members of all types. Alliance offers continuing education, consulting, resource sharing, and delivery service to members.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Video Game News, April 10, 2006
Virginia Bill Seeks More Prominent ESRB Rating on Games
by James Brightman, GameDaily Biz 4/10/06
Virginia Senator Henry Marsh (right) has introduced a bill that would require retailers to feature a much more prominent, larger version of the ESRB rating on Mature-rated video games. The label would take up almost half the front of the box...
Video Games Get Very, Very Naughty
AP 4/9/06
"This new crop of adults-only games would combine the player-player interaction of the online games and the graphic sexuality of the single-player games."
Sheri Graner Ray to Keynote Sex in Video Games Conference
GameInfoWire 4/8/06
"She will be speaking on how to make adult games that appeal to women, using her research on creating games that appeal to women to specifically discuss what women would want to see within the adult game space."
by James Brightman, GameDaily Biz 4/10/06
Virginia Senator Henry Marsh (right) has introduced a bill that would require retailers to feature a much more prominent, larger version of the ESRB rating on Mature-rated video games. The label would take up almost half the front of the box...
Video Games Get Very, Very Naughty
AP 4/9/06
"This new crop of adults-only games would combine the player-player interaction of the online games and the graphic sexuality of the single-player games."
Sheri Graner Ray to Keynote Sex in Video Games Conference
GameInfoWire 4/8/06
"She will be speaking on how to make adult games that appeal to women, using her research on creating games that appeal to women to specifically discuss what women would want to see within the adult game space."
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Video Game News, April 8 2006
Pensioners That Play: How the DS is shaping a new gaming audience
by Gearoid Reidy, The Escapist 4/7/06
"...in reality, the only thing mainstream about gaming is its perception in the media."
Study: M-ratings on games "not accurate"
by Ken Fisher, Ars Technica 4/7/06
"While a game may be rated M and list "violence" as a content descriptor, the game may also have other M-appropriate content, such as gambling or sexual themes, according to the researchers."
Teenagers Losing Interest in Video Games, Survey Says
by Jason Dobson, Gamasutra 4/6/06
"nterestingly, almost 80 percent of teens indicated that they intend to spend less time playing video games in 2006 and nearly 70 percent indicated that their interest in playing video games is decreasing.
Violent Video Games Linked to Risky Behaviors
by Anne Harding, Reuters 4/7/06
"Regardless of whether they grew up in a violent environment, the researchers found, young men who had played the violent game were less cooperative and more competitive in completing an assigned task with another person..."
EDITORIAL: Video games not cause of moral decay; politicians must dig deeper
by Lindsey Poisson, The State News 4/7/06
"It's bad policy to blame major social problems, such as teen violence, on something that just happens to fit nicely as a scapegoat and can be used as a rallying point."
Girl Gamers: More women are glued to video games, from playing to developing
by Heather Newman, Detroit Free Press 4/8/06
"Women make up 43% of all video game players, according to the 2005 survey by the Entertainment Software Association."
by Gearoid Reidy, The Escapist 4/7/06
"...in reality, the only thing mainstream about gaming is its perception in the media."
Study: M-ratings on games "not accurate"
by Ken Fisher, Ars Technica 4/7/06
"While a game may be rated M and list "violence" as a content descriptor, the game may also have other M-appropriate content, such as gambling or sexual themes, according to the researchers."
Teenagers Losing Interest in Video Games, Survey Says
by Jason Dobson, Gamasutra 4/6/06
"nterestingly, almost 80 percent of teens indicated that they intend to spend less time playing video games in 2006 and nearly 70 percent indicated that their interest in playing video games is decreasing.
Violent Video Games Linked to Risky Behaviors
by Anne Harding, Reuters 4/7/06
"Regardless of whether they grew up in a violent environment, the researchers found, young men who had played the violent game were less cooperative and more competitive in completing an assigned task with another person..."
EDITORIAL: Video games not cause of moral decay; politicians must dig deeper
by Lindsey Poisson, The State News 4/7/06
"It's bad policy to blame major social problems, such as teen violence, on something that just happens to fit nicely as a scapegoat and can be used as a rallying point."
Girl Gamers: More women are glued to video games, from playing to developing
by Heather Newman, Detroit Free Press 4/8/06
"Women make up 43% of all video game players, according to the 2005 survey by the Entertainment Software Association."
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Video Game News, April 6, 2006
Study Finds M-Rated Video Games Contain Violence, Sexual Themes, Substances, and Profanity Not Labeled on Game Boxes
Harvard School of Public Health 4/3/06
"...These results confirm that the presence of an ESRB content descriptor means that game players likely will find the indicated content in the game but that parents should not interpret the absence of a content descriptor to mean the absence of content..."
Can video games improve education?
By Nick Smith Central Michigan Life 4/5/06
“I look at it as being valuable for problem-solving skills,” he said. “That’s what you’re doing when you’re playing a video game anyway.”
Teen Interest in Video Games Declining
by James Brightman GameDaily.biz 4/5/06
"In a recent survey of high school students, 70 percent of these teenagers said that they are losing interest in gaming and a larger percentage said they intend to spend less time playing video games..."
Harvard School of Public Health 4/3/06
"...These results confirm that the presence of an ESRB content descriptor means that game players likely will find the indicated content in the game but that parents should not interpret the absence of a content descriptor to mean the absence of content..."
Can video games improve education?
By Nick Smith Central Michigan Life 4/5/06
“I look at it as being valuable for problem-solving skills,” he said. “That’s what you’re doing when you’re playing a video game anyway.”
Teen Interest in Video Games Declining
by James Brightman GameDaily.biz 4/5/06
"In a recent survey of high school students, 70 percent of these teenagers said that they are losing interest in gaming and a larger percentage said they intend to spend less time playing video games..."
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Youth Digital Arts Cyberschool and Kinesis
The Youth Digital Arts Cyberschool has announced the release of their first CyberStudio for the video game, Kinesis. This will be the first of the Cyber Studios that pertains to the "Fusion Academy Series" video game. Fusion is a professional video game that is available for play, but now through this exclusive partnership with YDACS students will have access to the game's source code. Enterprising students can even sell their own version of the game. More information can be obtained via the YDACS site at: www.ydacs.com. One might also be interested in discussing the curriculum and school with YDACS President, Mr. Craig Davis during today's online Elluminate session.
~Matt
~Matt
Gaming as and in Education
Here are two recent articles that might be of some use to those that are trying to do more than create game play activities in your environments.
"New course teaches instructional gaming: Teachers explore the benefits of computer gaming as a classroom tool" in eSchool News is a good discussion about the challenges of trying to get gaming into the school environment/curriculum, especially as it pertains to educational standards. Within this article is also an offer for educators to participate in a discounted online course through the Game Institute.
Converge Online also has a decent discussion that pertains to Higher Education, but also has some relevance to libraries that are trying to offer similar things to young adults and beyond.
"Advanced Learning Communities: Is gaming the future of education?" By Joel Foreman.
~Matt
"New course teaches instructional gaming: Teachers explore the benefits of computer gaming as a classroom tool" in eSchool News is a good discussion about the challenges of trying to get gaming into the school environment/curriculum, especially as it pertains to educational standards. Within this article is also an offer for educators to participate in a discounted online course through the Game Institute.
Converge Online also has a decent discussion that pertains to Higher Education, but also has some relevance to libraries that are trying to offer similar things to young adults and beyond.
"Advanced Learning Communities: Is gaming the future of education?" By Joel Foreman.
~Matt
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Games for Library Instruction
Christy Branson, librarian at, has started a blog on using and creating games to teach library instruction. She says "I'm inviting contributors and I hope to make it a
collaborative environment." Check it out at http://bibliogaming.blogspot.com
collaborative environment." Check it out at http://bibliogaming.blogspot
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library-Oregon. One to watch
Wanted to mention this library system that has been active with teen gaming since 2003. Librarians Andrew Cherbas and Heidi Weisel gave permission to link to their Game On PowerPoint Presentation for their upcoming state conference.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Video Game News April 3 2006
In Production: Bob Ross Video Game
Bob Ross Inc, 3/26/06
"Bob Ross Inc. has announced in March 2006 that they have filed a letter of intent to license to Joseph Hatcher's AGFRAG Entertainment Group to develop exclusively worldwide video/computer games based on Bob Ross' creative, unique and easy to learn painting techniques and TV show properties."
US Calls for Law on Video Games
by David Uren, The Australian 4/3/06
"The US is pressuring Australia to legislate against illegal computer games, citing its obligations under the free trade agreement between the two nations."
Georgia Confirms Video Game Tax Incentive
by David Jenkins, Gamasutra 4/3/06
"The Georgia state legislature has enacted tax code changes allowing digital entertainment producers, including video game companies based outside of the state, to gain new savings on products developed there."
Demographics show women are hard-core gamers, too
by Tom Leupold Inside the Bay Area 3/31/06
"...they're just playing different kinds of games. Instead of war-themed shooters or sports games, many women are following their gaming bliss in so-called "casual" games, which include card and puzzle games like the classic "Tetris."..."
Traveling gamers, avoid these hotels!
by Vladimir Cole Joystiq 3/30/06
"Too many gamers must deal with the vagaries of shoddy or expensive WiFi connections in the hotels around the world..."
Video game helps young people blast cancerBy Lisa Baertlein Reuters UK 4/2/06
"Saif Azar, a 14-year-old video game fan, said a new title called "Re-Mission" helped arm him with the knowledge of how to fight cancer after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2003..."
Students hope Mideast video game will produce insights, investors
By Daniel Lovering OhMy News 4/4/06
"...Asi Burak and Eric Brown, along with a team of fellowr students, have spent more than a year building PeaceMaker, a computer game that attempts to simulate the violence and political turbulence of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle..."
Video Games Tackle "Lazy Eye"
Online International News Network 4/3/06
"Playing virtual reality computer games may help treat the condition known as amblyopia, or lazy eye, say researchers."
Bob Ross Inc, 3/26/06
"Bob Ross Inc. has announced in March 2006 that they have filed a letter of intent to license to Joseph Hatcher's AGFRAG Entertainment Group to develop exclusively worldwide video/computer games based on Bob Ross' creative, unique and easy to learn painting techniques and TV show properties."
US Calls for Law on Video Games
by David Uren, The Australian 4/3/06
"The US is pressuring Australia to legislate against illegal computer games, citing its obligations under the free trade agreement between the two nations."
Georgia Confirms Video Game Tax Incentive
by David Jenkins, Gamasutra 4/3/06
"The Georgia state legislature has enacted tax code changes allowing digital entertainment producers, including video game companies based outside of the state, to gain new savings on products developed there."
Demographics show women are hard-core gamers, too
by Tom Leupold Inside the Bay Area 3/31/06
"...they're just playing different kinds of games. Instead of war-themed shooters or sports games, many women are following their gaming bliss in so-called "casual" games, which include card and puzzle games like the classic "Tetris."..."
Traveling gamers, avoid these hotels!
by Vladimir Cole Joystiq 3/30/06
"Too many gamers must deal with the vagaries of shoddy or expensive WiFi connections in the hotels around the world..."
Video game helps young people blast cancerBy Lisa Baertlein Reuters UK 4/2/06
"Saif Azar, a 14-year-old video game fan, said a new title called "Re-Mission" helped arm him with the knowledge of how to fight cancer after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2003..."
Students hope Mideast video game will produce insights, investors
By Daniel Lovering OhMy News 4/4/06
"...Asi Burak and Eric Brown, along with a team of fellowr students, have spent more than a year building PeaceMaker, a computer game that attempts to simulate the violence and political turbulence of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle..."
Video Games Tackle "Lazy Eye"
Online International News Network 4/3/06
"Playing virtual reality computer games may help treat the condition known as amblyopia, or lazy eye, say researchers."
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Video Game News, April 1, 2006
Blizzard Entertainment® Presents Burgercraft™
Blizzard 4/1/06
"...At BurgerCraft, gamers will be able to choose from a varied menu, eat Blizzard meals live with other members of the gaming community, and try out The Burger Crusade™, Blizzard's highly anticipated restaurant queue system..."
New Alliance Races: Wisps
World of Warcraft The Burning Crusades 4/1/06
"...The introduction of Wisps allows a new and exciting game mechanic: permanent death..."
“Here Come the Ponies”: Legendary MY LITTLE PONY Becomes a Roleplaying Game
Wizards of the Coast 4/1/06
"...The My Little Pony RPG uses the game system of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game, featuring custom-designed ponies with rules for choosing a wide range of pony colors, hair styles, accessories such as “cutie marks,” and powers such as “rainbow flight” and “find-and-seek”..."
iGot Game: Apple Jumps into the Portable Market
by EGM Staff Electronic Gaming Monthly April 2006
"...Apple, well known for its line of computers, iPod portable digital-music players, and delicious pies, will be releasing its iGame portable gaming device late this year..."
Sony Computer Entertainment Systems Confirms the Cancellation of the Playstation 3 Entertainment Systm.
Eatyourexam 4/1/06
"...A recent lawsuit, withheld from the press until now, featured a software pioneer, Ronald P. Garvin from San Jose, Calif., claiming the rights to the Blu-Ray disc format...he Blu-Ray format was to be used by developers and publishers in the distribution of not only PlayStation® content, but also a variety of movies from Sony Pictures. The Blu-Ray format was the foundation for the next decade of Sony business, and now a complete restructuring must ensue..."
Nintendo and Apple Merge:
by Jay Forbes Revolution Portal 4/2/06
"Apple, the I-pod manufacturer, has confirmed that they will sign a $787 million merge contract with Nintendo Corporation. ...Apple will be offering downloads of classic NES games on iTunes as early as June..."
Nintendo Revolution Now Called "Nintendo nplay"
by Ian Mikutel Revolution Report 3/31/06
"In a recent press release on the official Nintendo Web site, the company revealed the final name of their next-generation console, code-named "Revolution"..."
The Shadow War Chronicles
StarWars.com 4/1/06
"The Star Wars universe expands into new territory with the recent announcement of the reprinting of The Shadow War Chronicles by George Lucas and Chris Claremont under the Star Wars banner..."
Lara Croft Somersaults to GameCube
by Matt Casamassina IGN 3/31/06
"Publisher Eidos Interactive today announced that Tomb Raider: Legend is in development for GameCube. The title will be a port of the PlayStation 2 and Xbox games of the same name and is expected to debut on the Big N's platform later this year..."
Girls attempt real-life version of video game
The Becon Journal 4/01/06
"Five teenage girls from Portage County face potential criminal charges after attempting to play a real-life version of Super Mario Bros..."
I hope you enjoyed your April Fools Day
Blizzard 4/1/06
"...At BurgerCraft, gamers will be able to choose from a varied menu, eat Blizzard meals live with other members of the gaming community, and try out The Burger Crusade™, Blizzard's highly anticipated restaurant queue system..."
New Alliance Races: Wisps
World of Warcraft The Burning Crusades 4/1/06
"...The introduction of Wisps allows a new and exciting game mechanic: permanent death..."
“Here Come the Ponies”: Legendary MY LITTLE PONY Becomes a Roleplaying Game
Wizards of the Coast 4/1/06
"...The My Little Pony RPG uses the game system of the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game, featuring custom-designed ponies with rules for choosing a wide range of pony colors, hair styles, accessories such as “cutie marks,” and powers such as “rainbow flight” and “find-and-seek”..."
iGot Game: Apple Jumps into the Portable Market
by EGM Staff Electronic Gaming Monthly April 2006
"...Apple, well known for its line of computers, iPod portable digital-music players, and delicious pies, will be releasing its iGame portable gaming device late this year..."
Sony Computer Entertainment Systems Confirms the Cancellation of the Playstation 3 Entertainment Systm.
Eatyourexam 4/1/06
"...A recent lawsuit, withheld from the press until now, featured a software pioneer, Ronald P. Garvin from San Jose, Calif., claiming the rights to the Blu-Ray disc format...he Blu-Ray format was to be used by developers and publishers in the distribution of not only PlayStation® content, but also a variety of movies from Sony Pictures. The Blu-Ray format was the foundation for the next decade of Sony business, and now a complete restructuring must ensue..."
Nintendo and Apple Merge:
by Jay Forbes Revolution Portal 4/2/06
"Apple, the I-pod manufacturer, has confirmed that they will sign a $787 million merge contract with Nintendo Corporation. ...Apple will be offering downloads of classic NES games on iTunes as early as June..."
Nintendo Revolution Now Called "Nintendo nplay"
by Ian Mikutel Revolution Report 3/31/06
"In a recent press release on the official Nintendo Web site, the company revealed the final name of their next-generation console, code-named "Revolution"..."
The Shadow War Chronicles
StarWars.com 4/1/06
"The Star Wars universe expands into new territory with the recent announcement of the reprinting of The Shadow War Chronicles by George Lucas and Chris Claremont under the Star Wars banner..."
Lara Croft Somersaults to GameCube
by Matt Casamassina IGN 3/31/06
"Publisher Eidos Interactive today announced that Tomb Raider: Legend is in development for GameCube. The title will be a port of the PlayStation 2 and Xbox games of the same name and is expected to debut on the Big N's platform later this year..."
Girls attempt real-life version of video game
The Becon Journal 4/01/06
"Five teenage girls from Portage County face potential criminal charges after attempting to play a real-life version of Super Mario Bros..."
I hope you enjoyed your April Fools Day
Saturday, April 01, 2006
The Cure for Information Overload
I love this. I hope everyone uses it. I found this post while surfing today: The Cure for Information Overload. Make sure you check it out.
Innovate-Changing the Way We Think About Technology
View the April/May issue of Innovate online
Articles include:
A New Way of Thinking About Technology: An Interview With Futurists Joel Barker and Scott Erickson by James L. Morrison, Joel Barker, and Scott Erickson
MMOGs as Learning Environments:
An Ecological Journey into Quest Atlantis and The Sims Online by Michael Young, P.G. Schrader, and Dongping Zheng
World’s Youth Connect through Global Nomads Group: An Interview with GNG's David Macquart by James L. Morrison and David Macquart
Assessing Principal Internships and Habits of Mind: The Use of Journey Mapping to Enhance Reflection by Donna Cooner and Ellyn Dickmann
Using Market Segmentation to Develop a Large Section, Web-enhanced Survey Course by Jason Cole and Bruce Robertson
To Click Or Not To Click: That's The Question by Johnny El-Rady
A_FLIP to Courseware: A Strategic Alliance for Improving Student Learning Outcomes by John Shank and Steven Bell
Articles include:
A New Way of Thinking About Technology: An Interview With Futurists Joel Barker and Scott Erickson by James L. Morrison, Joel Barker, and Scott Erickson
MMOGs as Learning Environments:
An Ecological Journey into Quest Atlantis and The Sims Online by Michael Young, P.G. Schrader, and Dongping Zheng
World’s Youth Connect through Global Nomads Group: An Interview with GNG's David Macquart by James L. Morrison and David Macquart
Assessing Principal Internships and Habits of Mind: The Use of Journey Mapping to Enhance Reflection by Donna Cooner and Ellyn Dickmann
Using Market Segmentation to Develop a Large Section, Web-enhanced Survey Course by Jason Cole and Bruce Robertson
To Click Or Not To Click: That's The Question by Johnny El-Rady
A_FLIP to Courseware: A Strategic Alliance for Improving Student Learning Outcomes by John Shank and Steven Bell
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