Submitted by Jonathan Koffel
Hardin Library, University of Iowa
The Hardin Library, like many libraries, does not have as many people walking through our doors and using our physical space as we once did. In an effort to increase use of our physical space, Hardin Library staff have been looking at new and different ways of drawing users into the library. I had heard of some academic libraries holding video game tournaments or having video games available for checkout and decided to try this in our library.
I received funding to purchase a Nintendo Wii and several games in summer of 2008. The Wii was chosen because of its popularity, the accessibility of its games for new users and its relatively low cost. The games purchased were "Wii Sports" (included with the Wii), "Super Smash Brothers Brawl" and "WarioWare Smooth Moves." These games were selected as ones which were popular and easily learned.
We began holding Wii gaming sessions in the summer and continued through fall term. We typically offered a two-hour session every week or every other week, though during the orientation and finals periods we offered several sessions a week. Most sessions were held during the afternoon. The sessions were advertised on our website, via posters placed in the health colleges and through the university hospital's daily newsletter. Attendance ranged from 4 to10 users and did not appear to depend on day or time. The response from participants was very positive, and some participants came to multiple sessions.
While the Wii gaming sessions have not been a overwhelming success (i.e., we were not swamped with 50 people at each session), I think that they have succeeded in drawing people into the library, giving them a fun study break and letting them interact with library staff in a different environment. As a result, we have continued to hold regular gaming sessions and are looking into ways to increase usage of the Wii and attendance at our events.
For an electronic copy of my poster, click here.