Publication date: November 2025
Source: The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 51, Issue 6
Author(s): Kathryn Barrett, Sabina Pagotto
Growing up, Steve Spohn’s primary way to connect with others was through videogames. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy as an infant, Spohn spent significant time in the hospital as a child.
“The only way to reach out to the Read more
ALA’s Games and Gaming Round Table (GameRT) announced in April its second cohort of classic titles—games that are more than 10 years old—to be included in the Classics Hall of Fame for its Platinum Play Award (the “Platy”). GameRT’s Read more
With total earnings of $441,600, Adriana Harmeyer, clinical associate professor and archivist for university history at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is the winningest library professional ever to have appeared on the legendary game show Jeopardy!
Harmeyer—who Read more
Games—whether of the board, video, or trivia variety—help people connect, escape, and learn. Information professionals see the transformative power of games firsthand in their libraries through programs and events, instruction, patron recommendations, and outreach.
In honor of International Games Read more
What do you need for a game jam? “Two tables. Done,” says Danielle Costello, student success librarian at University of Georgia Libraries in Athens.
While game jams—accelerated game creation events—started as a way to develop videogames, they’re also useful Read more
Soon after David Sleasman became librarian at the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play in Rochester, New York, he got a phone call about checkers.
The caller wanted to donate his father’s collection—not of boards or game pieces, Read more
During my time as a chapter leader in Iowa, I witnessed firsthand how swiftly state and regional chapters can mobilize. When a bill that threatened codified funding for public libraries was proposed in the state legislature last year, more Read more
When the interview committee asked why I was interested in the executive director position at the American Library Association (ALA), I replied, doing my best impression of famed mountaineer George Mallory: “Because it’s the ALA!” I was responding, of Read more
To remain relevant, libraries are constantly evolving. Consider that our institutions were once places of enforced silence, but today are community hubs that welcome conversation, interaction, and playtime. As librarians, we aim to add value to people’s lives by Read more
