Library promotes literacy through gaming

Sitting in the library between classes isn’t how many students want to spend their free time. Students may use this time to study and relax, but where’s the fun in that?

Now available on the second floor of the Henry Madden Library is a game room in Studio 2. Students now have the option to play a video game on their break, instead of working on homework that’s not due until next week.

Civil engineering major Addison Balasbas said the game room is a great idea because she knows many people who live in the dorm rooms and don’t own video games. The game room gives students a chance to break away from homework.

“It’s a relaxing place to relieve stress,” said Balasbas.

Employees were expecting the game room to be a big success and the staff was worried the room would be overrun by students. But much to the staff’s surprise, only approximately 20 to 30 people have used the game room and there are only a few regulars.

To have access to the game room students must complete the information literacy tutorial that can be found under the “hot spots” section of Blackboard. All that’s needed after this process is completed is a Fresno State ID card and students are ready to start the gaming experience.

Many students decided not to utilize the game room after hearing there was work involved. Library computer assistant Worth Freeman said a lot of people came in eager to see if the game room was true, but they never returned after asking about it.

The games and gaming consoles were purchased by special funds distributed throughout the library. The video game room is meant to promote literacy.

According to the American Library Association (ALA) with modern advances in technology literacy must go beyond reading, writing and speaking a language.

“Video games help strategic abilities, finding resources and thinking ahead,” said Freeman.

Students may bring guests along with them. The requirement for a guest to use the game room is merely to present a form of government issued identification. Blackboard tutorials are not required for guests.

Not all students have a desire for this service. Criminology and psychology major Jessica Henslee said she prefers using her own gaming system.

“I don’t use the library much in general,” said Henslee.

The game room operates on a first come, first served basis. Game room users are limited to a maximum of two hours of game time per day. If there’s no one waiting to play in the game room more than two hours may be allotted for that day. Only six people are allowed in the game room at one time.

The game room includes the following games and consoles: Halo 3 for XBOX 360; Wii Sports, Super Smash Brothers Brawl and New Super Mario Brothers for Nintendo Wii and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Age of Empires, Starcraft: Brood Wars and Warcraft 3: Frozen Throne for personal computers.

Students can take advantage of the new game room every Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.