My (Sister's) Experience Using Online Gaming Systems and Interactives Use in Libraries

While I am more inclined to read and make jewelry in my free time, my sister enjoys playing online games with her friends.  She has played many online connected games from Minecraft to Words with Friends.  When playing mobile competitive games with her friends, such as Words with Friends, she says it is fun to see the reactions of other people.  I completely understand this.  My family enjoys playing board and card games together and with friends, and it is pretty fun to see other people's reactions when playing competitive games.  On the other hand, some of the online games my sister plays are not competitive but cooperative.  In Minecraft, for example, she and her friend often play at the same time and work together to complete common goals.

Libraries would probably find more use out of interactives then online gaming technologies.  Similar to the ones used in various museums, libraries could have a computer station or two devoted to interactives for the public to use.  The interactive could be about something fun, like building your own Lego person then referencing different library books on Legos and Lego stories, to more educational, such as virtually creating blown glass pieces or learning about U.S. Presidents and then connecting the interactive with library materials on the subject.

Below are some screenshots from the glass blowing interactive from the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.  The interactive is part of their Fireworks of Glass display and can be found online here!