Johnson redux

As I stated in my last post on "Everything Bad is Good For You", I think Johnson makes a very convincing argument. I have in the past argued the benefits of table top RPGs but I had never thought about this in the context of video games, movies and TV. There is much more to all of these then their content. That said, I don't believe the content can be completely ignored. There is some content that simply is not appropriate for certain ages/players. As librarians, we are called to provide information and materials without judgment or bias and I believe in that very strongly. On the other hand, we have separate sections for children, YAs and adults for a reason.

So what can we learn-

• We now have more ammunition for defending programs like video game nights and movie nights. (Its about more then just pulling kids into the library)
• If we don't offer such programs, then it would be a good idea to start
• This is one more way libraries can help bridge the digital divide, by making video games available to kids who can't play at home and thus are missing the benefits
• It could be worthwhile to create some information literacy games (as some libraries have already done)
• We shouldn't make assumptions at least until we have tried something ourselves
• We can use pop culture to spark interest in delving deeper into a subject (Like Ninja Gaiden? Take a look at these books/programs/web resources about Japanese weapons!)