Sutherland Shire Libraries Staff News

Don't understand what it's all about? Butterscotch might help

I've just seen this in a feed I get. I think I will find it very useful whilst trying and keep up with what is possible, also when comparing what option to choose from the seemingly endless supply of ways to communicate!

I am stealing this explanation directly from the blog on Resourceshelf.
"Butterscotch is a website which, through many free video tutorials, instructs in the use of all kinds of hardware and software. Its visual emphasis also allows for a quick comparison
between your computer or device and the tutorial. And of course the video can be replayed as many times as necessary.
The Tutorials section is tailored to accomplishing specific tasks or
examining the possibilities of certain software. The presenters/narrators have a common style, concise and using everyday language. Topics that need to be covered in more depth are usually
broken down into a series of short videos rather than one long one.
The Tutorials section also shares with the Shows section (see below) the quality of there being something for everyone, no matter their level of technical knowledge. So at one end of the spectrum there is an Introduction to Flickr, and at the other, Syncing notes in the cloud with Evernote. And for the latest devices and software, there is a special channel of Breaking news tutorials."
I'll be having a huge helping of Butterscotch.

Cronulla Beach & Senior geography project!

This fun activity is on again for young and old! De La Salle at Revesby has set Cronulla Beach and factors affecting it, as it's topic for the whole of Year 10. They have til 12th August to hand it in, be prepared those on the weekend.

Hence Kris's excellent idea of putting the Bate bay Management Plan behind the ref desk. Don't forget her past blog, which is linked through the Local Studies webpage, under Pathfinders.

As an update to this there are some current Leader articles indexed in the Local News Search., just search for Sea Walls and you'll get the latest info on what's been going on. According to the Leader on the 8 Jul 2010, the new sea wall is indestructible!

Senior's Kiosks

Kris had an enqury today, Bernadette one last night and Wendy had one just now, so arm yourselves with this information.

Broadband for seniors kiosks' which offer free Internet access and tuition. The information is in an advert in (Seniors Newspaper?) and in a Centrelink newsletter. It's a federally funded govt. initiative and it appears Centrelink is not too familiar with it either.
Kris did a little detective work and located the site and live kiosks (with contact numbers). There are a handful in the Shire.
It's worthwhile having a look at this as we may get other enquiries about this service.
http://www.necseniors.net.au

Karen has made up the following list so you can print it out if you wish.
Bowling & Sports Club Co-Op Ltd. 49-53 Liverpool Street Bundeena NSW 2230 0422 490 743 John Paul Village 15 The Avenue Heathcote NSW 2233 (Restricted)
Sutherland District Trade Union Club 28 Banksia Avenue Caringbah NSW 2229 0425 376933 Caringbah Bowling & Recreation Club 105-107 Willarong Road Caringbah NSW 2229 0437523220
Goodhew Gardens Hostel 2 Alexander Avenue Taren Point NSW 2229 02 9710 7333
Gymea Community Aid and Information Service 39 Gymea Bay Road Gymea NSW 2227 02 9524 9559

RU Game Part 3

Hello, people out there in blog land. For your interest, I have taken some notes from the final three presenters in the "RU Game" conference and presented them here. You may find the last two speakers particularly interesting as they talk about their experiences with consoles in their public libraries.

The third last speaker was Huon Longman, a PHD student from the school of psychology and counselling at the Queensland University of Technology. He talked about his research into the value of online relationships in WOW (World of Warcraft). Here are some of the points covered in his talk:-

• Psychological research has largely focused on the perceived negative effects of computer games
• WOW is a “massively multiplayer” game. People playing this game pay a subscription fee every month. In the game, players cooperate to complete goals. Players communicate both in the game and out of the game in forums and in person. In 2008 there were about 67 million subscribers of massively multiplayer games.
• Why do people play massively multiplayer games? For the “immersion” experience, to gain “achievements” in the game, and for the social aspect.
• Five percent of males and fifteen percent of females have dated through WOW.
• People who play the game form “guilds”- these are like sporting teams.
• Huon interviewed 22 WOW current and former players. Twelve of the people interviewed were former WOW players.
• Of the people interviewed, half had full time jobs. Most played about 20 hours per week. All of them experienced a sense of community, and it allowed them to make friends. Some of them expressed a bit of nostalgia for the “old days” when everyone playing WOW were friends.
• Some of the players are “gamers”, not just WOW players. Some people said that WOW is part of who they are and expressed pride at being in a guild.
• Players sometimes talked about serious stuff online with guild mates. They got support from each other when they were going through break-ups and having problems at work. The anonymity of the internet allowed it to be easier for players to seek emotional support.
• Huon says that his research so far illustrates the strength of massively multiplayer based social relationships.

Sue Killham from Narrandera talked about how their library use console games:-

• A “Playstation 2” (PS2) console system was bought and to make sure that too much staff time isn’t taken up, the first user of the day gets to pick the game and it isn’t changed until the next day.
• About one new game is purchased every school holidays
• Bega has a high indigenous population and it is very popular with them (they especially liked the “WWF Smackdown” game)
• There has been the occasional problem, and they wonder how people could put so much effort into stealing a single controller!
• It is good to know what is in the game just in case a “sensitive” borrower sees or hears something from the game.
• Often kids watching the game provide both solicited and unsolicited advice to the player!
• The IT department didn’t like any equipment that could affect the organisations’ firewall so it was good that the games were on a console not a computer.

Penny Amberg from Bega was the final speaker for the day and she also talked about how her library uses console games:-

• They decided to get a console because the library was losing younger members of the community.
• They decided on a Nintendo WII because all of or most of the games for it were “G” rated and the young kids love it
• Older people use it too! There is a bush walking group comprised of older people that use the sports game in it every week.
• “Guitar Hero” is one of the games, but because of complaints about the noise it is only on certain times of the day
• A youth night was held for those who wanted to play “Guitar Hero”. It proved popular.
• They are hoping to get a Macintosh but they are pretty expensive. She will try and arrange for a local business to help as they are often happy to put their name on things.
• Unfortunately, the WII was stolen but a lesson was learnt and a new one was bought and it is locked down now.
• Don’t have preconceived ideas when it comes to technology, because, Penny mentioned, one of her borrowers is an old lady who recently bought an iPad and finds it easy to use for reading!

Thanks for reading, and good gaming! -Michael

Futures Forum Scenario Cards - Reference Response

It's been a while since I put out the original post about this, however, better late than never. In case you've forgotten, the Future's Forum was all about the Future of Libraries. It was based on the Bookends Scenarios Report. At this forum we were given a pack of cards with a range of different possible scenarios on them divided by subject: ideas, culture, nature, society, technology, politics, economy and joker. The idea is for different branches and departments of the Library to randomly select a card for each subject, discuss the way they impact on Libraries and then blog their thoughts along with any other ideas about the future of Libraries. So here is the Ref team's response:

Ideas: Images replace words as the means of communicating ideas
This may empower community members that struggle with written and oral communication such as those that are illitierate or don't speak English as a primary language. Libraries will be able to effectively tailor their services towards these people and communicate more effectively with them. Education will change with an emphasis on visual creatvity and technology will change in response to this. The Library might need to run seminars and training for those not used to this new form of communication.

Culture: The cultural industries eclipse manufacturing in terms of GDP and profitability
This could be related to images replacing words as the main form of communication as people look into visual aspects of culture. There could be a stable economy leading to people spending more time and money on cultural industries. Libraries will need to create more community spaces and develop culturally relavent events.

Nature: The first laboratory dinosaur ('Terry Nova') is created
There is far more interest in natural history, evolution and earth sciences (this could possibly be related to climate change). This could lead to more debate about the ethical, social and economic issues relating to these scientific advances. The Library may need to provide more resources about this subject and maybe organise information sessions or public debates about the relevant issues.

Technology: The last landline service is abandoned
This is a very real possibility as mobile phones have far more functionality (Internet, games etc.) and people start using skype and other Internet based technologies to communicate with one another. People don't use landline phones anymore as they are always on the go. The Library may need to provide electronic resources (such as more e-books and e-book readers for lending). They might also conduct information sessions on how to set up and use Skype, social networking etc.

Politics: Louis XIX crowned King of France
This indicates that there might be a breakdown of democracy in parts of the world with people turning to other systems of government in turbulent times. This may not reflect the situation in Australia, where there might merely be renewed discussion about different political systems. World politics, however, might effect globalisation including trade and economics. Patriotism will rise and there will be less global communication. Libraries may need to supply more materials and information on politics and there may be a drop in social networking and knowledge sharing geographically. Libraries may also need to obtain resources from their own shores.

Economy: Economic growth is no longer the measure of progress
This could mean that the economy is actually reasonably stable or it's growth is slow. This will result in society turning to other measures of progress - possibly technology and science. Ironically enough this might result in the Library having to fight for funding to cater towards these new needs (e.g. technological upgrades). This might also result in more skills workshops being run through Libraries.

Joker: Pre-teen intellectuals seek control of curriculum development in schools
Could this be why images have replaced words as the main form of communication? This indicates an increase in social collaboration. We can see this happening already with the use of Web 2.0 technologies. Perhaps this has gone so far as to result in pre-teens wanting some say and control in their curriculum (a new kind of 'education revolution'). Libraries might be required to provide more collaborative services e.g. teens are given creative license over their space. Just don't let them take over the Library.

Bonus Question: Where do you see the future of Libraries?
The constant theme here is that Libraries will still be providing access to information but will also act as community spaces. There will still be books accompanied with other forms of technology such as e-books. There will be community outreach and reading programs for children, teens and adults. There will also be more collaboraton with other community bodies e.g. the local studies collection might merge with a local museum (historical society). The genealogy collection might merge with the local family history society. We can see these community spaces happening already with knitting groups and card making classes.

Now it's your turn. I'll be sending the cards around to each branch, for you to discuss and write a blog post on. You can use this post as an example - and of course, if there's anything you'd like to comment on or add please do so.

Karen B.

RU Game Part 2

In this entry I thought that I'd let you know what the next two speakers at the R U Game seminar had to say.

Martin Masek from Edith Cowan University presented work done on AE2 Commander, an authentic WWI submarine computer simulation. The AE2 was an Australian submarine that featured in naval operations in support of the Gallipoli landings in 1915. Its mission was to wreak havoc on Turkish shipping. The submarine was eventually sunk with no casualties.

The main points of Martin's talk were:

• The project looks at the role of computer simulation in the archives online space and aims to foster an understanding of how original sources can be used as part of computer simulation and serious gaming.
• There are many game engines that you can choose from when creating a serious game. Some offer free help (the unity engine and the unreal development kit) while others offer cheap help eg Torque 3D.
• Before making the submarine program, another program was developed in Torque 3D. Martin's team created a virtual robot on wheels which explores and maps the environment and reports information that can be used in a war situation. The team found that it was more difficult creating the submarine simulation in this game engine.
• The War Museum in Canberra helped with creating goals, story and narrative for the game as they have a lot of original material.
• The setting for the simulation is an actual place so Google Earth was used as a reference art.
• The game challenges you to control the submarines' progress and keep it out of harms way.
• When the game is completed it will be possible to play the game on the Net, though it will be a big download.
• Martin is aiming to have the simulation completed and ready to present on Anzac Day 2011.

Jaap and Erik from Delft Public Library

• Made the point that their library contains all kinds of media. They pose the question what will the media of the future be?
• More than half of the population play games. There is an area in their library where library customers can play Wii Sports games. This is well used.
• People who are not connected to the Internet at home are able to add content to the web at their library.
• Gaming in the library has brought people from different social classes together.
• The library hosts students who are learning game or interactive media design. It is opportune that the library is next to a technology university.
• Jaap and Erik are convinced that books are one of the best technologies ever invented and that they will never disappear.
• Events for different ages are held overs some weekends as well as monthly tournaments. Last year a 48 hour LAN (local area network) party was held. This proved to be very popular. Participants carried their own monitors and drives under each arm - quite a sight.
• The library gave space to 16 students to enable them to develop a game as part of their training/course work. The resulting game 'Dark Ink' is part fun and part education. The players try to stop the evil force drawing the ink out of library books. The finished demo lasts for about half an hour.
• Jaap and Erik showed the audience their 'touch table'. The table is able to recognise a customers card and produce a map of the street where the customer lives. The table has a touch screen set up.

Part 3 coming up

Michael

Sortfix - a new way to search?

I received a fairly random email about this relatively new search engine today. Before deleting it I thought I might just check it out. Sortfix retrieves results from Google, Twitter, Bing, YouTube and Images. These are presented as tabs on the results screen so if, for example, you'd like to look at videos of soccer you can click on the YouTube tab to view only those results.

It also has a user friendly interface designed to help students improve their search technique. This includes suggested words to add or remove plus a dictionary feature. It is simple but provides a different searching experience. For more information read this brief blog post by Phil Bradley.

Please have a look at Sortfix yourself and let me know what you think of it.

Did you know you can comment on these blog posts at any time of day?
When you receive an email of this post, just click on the title. That will take you to the blog. You can then click 'comment' below the post and share all your thoughts and feelings on whatever it is that's been posted.

The future of libraries (and librarians) on the Book Show

I highly recommend catching the discussion that can be downloaded as a podcast from Radio National's The Book Show of 30th June.

Maestro wanted!

Are you a closet Elton John? Do you have a daughter who aspires to be the next Miley Cyrus?

Kids section is hoping to have someone play an instrument at our 'music' school holiday activity next Tuesday, 13th July, at 10.30am. It would just be a very short segment - we can provide a keyboard. Or, better still bring your own tuba! We are not going to be fussy - just come along and play - we'd love to have something a step up from my 3 fingered version of Mary had a little lamb......................

Contact Sue Sturgess for more details

12-24’s @ your public library in Australia and New Zealand

I was recently fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to attend the AUSLIB Conference, which was held over the long weekend in June in Brisbane.

I was amazed at some of the activities for youth that are going on in Public Libraries. I thought I’d share some of them with you……………but just briefly. Conference proceedings will be published eventually. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in finding out more.

General points raised that I found of interest
– does anyone actually have a plan in place for keeping their gaming technology up-to-date? - NO!
- most libraries were not charging for wifi/internet access
- many libraries do not fine their junior patrons – just follow up on overdue/ lost items
- I particularly loved the idea of youth actually designing library cards, and patrons having a choice of design for their card.

The speakers included (among others);

Aimee Rhodes, Melbourne Library Service, Vic.
Have a gallery space that includes a piano (!), artworks, zines, manga, lots of desks with power points
Also offer a Homework club that’s run in conjunction with the local Community Centre

Felicity Macchion, Yarra Plenty Regional Library, Vic.
During Youth Week held a ‘Get loud’ event that was presented by and for local youth.
Have a book club for teens, use the ‘Inside a dog’ reading list from the Victorian State Library.
Have ‘Teen Kits’, that travel around their branches, similar to our storytime kits
Recently went on a study tour on the US – saw inter-library gaming events being held.

Anne Spelman, Moreton Bay Region Libraries, Qld.
o Held a game on event, which attracted previously non-users to the library
o Anime club – attracts many young people who are helping to develop and run programs
o Also purchased and lend hardware, such as cameras, video recorders. Have not had a problem with damage – overall feeling is that the youth really appreciate the trust put in them and take care of things.

· Natasha Griggs, City of Belmont, WA
o Initiated the Finding My Place program, a now well-established initiative delivered through metropolitan and regional libraries in WA. It is designed for young people assessed as at high risk of leaving school early.
o Through motivational and information workshops, students develop a greater sense of what they want in life after school.
o The library is used as a neutral venue for the talks & guest speakers are invited by library staff. Often these young people have never been to the library.
o Being held on library premises helps teachers too, enabling them to see the young as people, rather than just troublesome students.

Adrienne Hannan, Wellington City Libraries, NZ
Share ideas and advertising with local youth services, such as ethnic and church groups. Put up each others’ banners.
Use their blog for teens to register for events – much more interactive than a web page
Often run team events – the leader is most likely to be a library user, but will bring along other non-library members for the team
Have a variety of designs for their library cards. All customers get to choose their preferred card. There are 4 designs for kids, 3 for Youth (which were actually designed by youth!) and 3 (or 4?) for adults

· Mylee Joseph, State Library, NSW
Introduced us to the concept of Youth Librarians as Ninja Librarians – with terminology supplied by Stacey Bale – (many of you will remember Stacey who now works at Camden.) Eg we need an understanding of “gerido” – the new and the recent – ie what’s happening in youth culture as a whole and specifically in our area. Also “madasa” – to gather or collect information from places ranging from the traditional to the bizarre. Ie we need mad chopping skills to cut through the crap, the umms, the ahhs, the ‘helpful’ parents
Healthy youth create healthy communities in which libraries thrive – Patrick Jones consultant and author, Minnesota, USA

Su Ikin, Dunedin Public Libraries, NZ
Got a bequest to use to fund their new teen space.
Free access to internet is a recurring theme. Even though kids might have the internet at home, they may not always be able to use it freely – they may have siblings using it for their own homework, and/or networking. Parents may also be limiting the teen’s use. Siblings can also be a distraction wanting use of ruler, pencil sharpener etc etc.
Decided NOT to install gaming in their new teen space – at the kids’ request. Bought lots of retro furniture, and decorated the space with artwork created by youth.
One of their walls was decorated with old (discarded) books bolted together at uneven heights, all mish-mash style. It looked great!
Across the country, NZ has as part of their local councils a Youth Action Committee – the local one was used for consultation, and helped form focus groups etc.

Cathy Shay, Lake Macquarie City Council, NSW
Have class visits for the whole of year 7 from their local high school. Conducted surveys (paper questionnaires) on the type of events local youth would be interested in attending
Use email and myspace to promote their events

Carolyn Bourke, Fairfield City Library, NSW
Hold an ‘Achievers Day’ in conjunction with their Local Studies Librarian. Use the local High Schools to contact ex-students to present on the day which is held in the library. Schools then attend to listen, pizza is provided. Had a competition for new members on this day – whoever borrowed went into the prize draw. The kids chose and bought the prize – they even bartered to get the best possible prize/price!
This function helps to simultaneously build the Local Studies collection.
Have found electronic ‘eavesdropping’ useful. Eg google alerts. But of course, you don’t always hear what you want to.
Have screen savers on their OPACs , promotional slides such as the ones we have on our Library Channel TV.

David Cranswick, The Edge, State Library of Qld.
The Edge is a visionary space opened earlier this year – a centre for creativity showcasing Qld innovation, invention and imagination.
The art world and the literary world are converging. Sees the future where people will download their audiobooks straight onto their mobile using Bluetooth (this is already happening in the Netherlands)
(I found this talk an interesting contrast to the earlier speaker form WA where rural indigenous young people would most definitely not have access to the same sorts of technology!)

Jody Gayton, Manukau Libraries, NZ
Has held a ‘Manix’ teen reading event for the past few years, which has proven successful in attracting teens into the library, and also promoting literacy among this group.
Each branch bought prizes and displayed them at their branch – such as graphic novels and manga, guys and girls hoodies, movie tickets, hair straightener, MP3 player.
Teens participated by submitting reviews – they could review any book, but there were additional points for reviewing books from a staff-compiled list. Some books reviewed were worth more points than others. Ordinary books, 5 points per review, genre books, 10 points, ‘super’ books 30 points (eg from PRC say, or book week)
Had local celebrations which involved staff at each branch.
Also had ‘remix’ jams, teens could respond in an artistic way to the books reviewed.
Also had quizzes such as one based on Beauty and the Geek, where the boys get asked girly questions and vice versa. Sounds like fun!

· Ellen Forsyth, State Library NSW
Games and reading – explored the use of readers advisory skills in working with young people to investigate how to suggest titles gamers might like to read, AND games readers might like to play!
Fastest growing ‘new’ gamers are women about 50-60 years! Eg Bridge!

Mya Robertson, Hastings Central Library, NZ
A storytelling festival was held, with the intention of developing a wider perception of ‘storytelling’ by highlighting the many different media used to tell stories.
Particularly focused on those that appeal to young people such as texting, tattoos and graphic novels.
Now have ‘texting’ (ie mobile phone) lessons regularly programmed for customers (mainly older). Lessons are done by young student shelvers
Resulted from their “What’s the story?” festivals – Ta Moko (traditional tattooing) stories; oral storytelling; traditional storytelling

Paula Kelly, Mylee Joseph, State Libraries, Vic and NSW
Youth Services Strategy Framework, to support support public library staff in planning and delivering services for young adults
Some suggested ‘Booktalkers’ for teens
James Roy
Tim Flannery
Cathy Cassidy
Jonathon Stroud

· Erik Boekesteijn and Jaap van de Geer, Delft Public Library The Netherlands
Erik and Jaap have been inspired by Irish Storytellers (Shanachies), and have been travelling the library world sharing library stories – with a particular focus on technological changes.
Have played games such as ‘spin the library bottle’ – when the bottle points at you, you tell a story.
Passionately believe that we need teens to be in libraries now as they’re the ones who will be in control in the future. If they don’t enjoy it now, why would they want to come back in the future?
Libraries will become community learning centres – new things, old things, technology – even a book is technology!
Believe books, games and film – are all just ‘container’s’ for information.
Charlotte and Mecklenberg library (USA) – the reference librarian started gaming in the library as a strategy to bring people in – it worked! It is now used as a place for socialising, games.
Which led to stories from conference attendees. Geelong library held a LAN gaming party which ran from 9.30am to 4pm. It only cost them the pizza, and was hugely successful.
Other libraries have held Wii games – for seniors as well as teens – even teens VS seniors!, like bowling and tennis
Videogames are bad for you?? “That’s what they said about rock and roll” (Apparently attributed to the creator of Mariocart)
Delft library – thinking about the library of the future – audiobooks will be downloaded via bluetooth onto mobile phones.
Delft again; have a Microsoft Service Table. Photo archives from the library are connected to the table. Put your card on the table, it recognises your address and brings up relevant photos from the archive! Or connect to google maps from it.

R U Game - Online gaming in Public Libraries

R U Game - games & public libraries Seminar
State Library NSW 23rd June 2010

Hello there people in blog land! I recently attended the R U game : games and public libraries seminar at the State Library and would like to share my notes with you.

Part 1

At the Seminar, there were six groups of presenters presenting topics from "serious games" to "how a couple of public libraries use console games" to enhance their service.



The first presenter, Gary Hayes, who is the Coordinator & Lecturer - Multi-platform Content, at the Australian Film TV and Radio, talked about "serious games".

So, what are "serious games"? A few definitions include: games that are not entertainment; games that are simulations; games that offer infotainment, edutainment and games that can be used in education. Gary also defines "serious games” as being activities which involve goal oriented "play" intended to improve the players knowledge, awareness or skills.

Often the intention of serious games is to: raise awareness of issues, develop social skills, train motor functions, train for a crisis response, impart knowledge, develop business prowess and improve the mind and body. Some examples of serious games include: role playing scenarios (acted or written), board games (monopoly?), some entertainment software titles (the Sims is a good example), and educational CD-ROMs.
Gary then had a look at some of the specific games that are used in different situations.
When the aim of the game is to raise awareness of issues, here are some examples that fulfill this requirement.
1. Mcvideogame.com. In this game players can learn what it is like to manage a complex organization and what it means to be a fast food producer in the world.
2. Jetset is a game that involves mangaging an airport and it looks at issues such as airport security.
3. Stop Malaria for ipone/ipad which raises awarness of Malaria.
4.Darfur is dying deals with what it is like to live in a third world border town. Players face choices such as should they walk a long way to get water or should they kill the last remaining cow in the village.
5. A terrorist game where lives rest on every decision that you make.
6. There are games that deal with environmental issues where you get points for recycling.
Here are some examples of games that deal with developing social skills.
1. reachout.com.au. The game on this website talks about suicide.
2. The Sims 1/2/3. The sims is a people simulator where you control one or more people guide them through their social interactions.
Games that deal with developing crisis response skills:-
1. www.trusim.com. This game makes you prioritise when it comes to helping victims of a crisis.
2. www.msafire.com/game_home.html. This game is for firefighters.
Games that train motor functions:-
1. www.sydac.com.au. A train driving simulator.
2. www.x-plane.com. A flight simulator.
Games that impart knowledge:-
1. Immune attack. Set in a hospital.
2. www.wildearthgame.com. The player learns about african animals.
Games that improve mind & body:-
1. Nintendo "brain training" games. www.nintendo.com/ds
2.Wii fit. A game that helps you get fit on the Nintendo Wii.
There are many more examples of "Serious games". For a full listing of the games that Gary talked about, go to http://www.slideshare.net/hayessg31 and you can go through all of the slides that Gary created for his talk.
The second presentation of the day was done by Sam Doust, who works at the ABC. He spent half an hour talking about "Bluebird AR" (AR stands for "Augmented Reality") which was a drama-cum-alternate reality game-cum interactive experience. The project was based around the themes of climate change and geo-engineering and blurred fictional scenarios with real world events. It was created by a team of about 4 to 8 people.
• Sam though that "Alternate Reality" is a natural genre for the internet
• There was about 150,000 to 200,000 registered players of the game, of which a large majority are students.
• The game used an interactive narrative that played out online. The proposition for the game was complex, sophisticated and rewarding therefore the options for playing the game needed to mirror this.
• The story revolved around a central conflict around a controversial and untested practice called geoengineering. Bluebird is the name of a fictional company that wants to use geoengineering to save the planet. Some of the video on the website showed the Bluebird CEO talking to an American Billionaire and trying to secure his funding for the project.
• The game played out in real time through a record of events. The player participates in bringing the story forward and bringing it to its varied conclusions.
• The main game website used a wiki template. A central area was used to collate and network the collective experience. Advantages of this included collective intelligence, knowledge sharing and management whilst preserving the individual threads of study in a creative approach.
• It was noted that this was a hard game to play, however the game makers tried to keep the clue trail logical all the time.
• People were awarded points for doing various tasks.
• If people got stuck, the forum moderators would give hints.
• Participants learnt about the real world by studying it through a fictional but feasable scenario.
So ends part one! In part two, I'll look at online relationships in World of Warcraft, how public libraries use console games & an authentic WWI submarine simulation that is being created at Edith Cowan University.


Michael
Miranda Library

Quote of the week

From ALGA News: July 2, 2010

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." - Cicero