Mississippi Library Association Keynote
Posted on November 19th, 2008 by
Tomorrow morning I jet off to Jackson Mississippi to address a few hundred librarians while they eat dinner. I’ll probably be helping them with their game night too. To be honest? I can’t wait. It’s fun and fine to chat with gamers and gamerparents, especially at a place like PAX, but I can’t move people there. I can’t defend gaming and I can’t explain why I think it’s crucial that libraries be involved and make games available to everyone who can afford a console – not just the rich. If I can change a few minds, I can really help a lot of parents and kids. Thank you MLA for this opportunity.
November 19th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I hope it goes well! Libraries are already in a position of looking for ways to get more kids reading, so while they might be pre-disposed against video games in terms of enhancing literacy on their own, I think there is a great argument to be made that there is a definite place for video games in the balanced life of a well-rounded kid.
November 19th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I prefer to read and play games, since my parents hav a weekend only game rule. I kinda like it cause it gives me somethin to look forward to. Good luck at the MLA!
November 19th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Good luck out there GamerDad. I’ll be interested to hear the type of questions and follow up you get.
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 am
Paul,
I’ll write more but in many ways this was the culmination of my career. If my goal was to reach and move the reachable anti-gaming forces – talking to a bunch of small town librarians about games and getting this good a response feels like the most influential thing I’ve done as GamerDad. My speech was much better suited to the MLA audience.
Anyway, update tomorrow probably!