Resource of the Week: Wii console, games and more

Taking a break from our electronic resources, this week's Resource of the Week looks at some of the fun gaming equipment that the library has for checkout. The library has a Wii console, Wii Fit and multiple games that are available for one day and three day checkout, as well as a Wii console that is set up in STAR Lounge 1 for students, faculty and staff to use in between classes.

Want to give the Wii a try? This Wednesday, November 10, 2010, the Gardner-Harvey Library invites you to help us celebrate the American Library Association’s National Gaming Day @ your library. Beginning at 9:00am and running until 8:00pm, this all-day event offers the chance for students, faculty and staff to kick back and show off their gaming skills. Stop by throughout the day and choose a game to play from our selection of board games, or use one of our two Wiis to play such great games as Rock Band, Mario Kart, Lego Star Wars and more. You can also take part in our Wii Competition from Noon-2:00pm for a chance to win one of six GameStop gift cards. The competition includes Super Smash Brothers Brawl and Wii Fit Ski Jump Challenges and the prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each game. Snacks will also be on hand to help keep everyone’s gaming energy up.

Get it Together in the STAR Lounge

With all our announcement of the Wii, we really haven't fully mentioned the STAR (Space for Technology, Academics, and Recreation) Lounge on its own this year.

The Lounge is equipped with:
- a 47" LCD TV
- a DVD player/VCR unit
- cable TV
- a Nintendo Wii gaming system
- a computer with a wireless keyboard and mouse
- work tables by the TV
- a small round table
- a 4' x 6' white board
- six chairs (and more are available to bring in)

The Lounge may be used to:
- watch a DVD, a videotape, or a live TV program with a group
- create a presentation of write a document or work on software with a group
- practice a presentation before giving it in class
- work with a small group for training or group review of information using the computer and TV or the white board
- have a meeting using the white board, TV, or just talking to one another
- play a game on the Wii (see the list)
- record a podcast (using one of our digital voice recorders, or a microphone and Audacity)

We have some ideas about how you can use the room. How will you use it? Take a look today and imagine how it might work with your study group or class or ?

The room may be used for two hours at a time. We are also happy to reserve it for you ahead of time. Be sure to check in at the InfoDesk before using the STAR Lounge.

Wii want to play . . . and learn

The library has recently purchased a Nintendo Wii. It is available for your gaming pleasure in the new STAR Lounge, with a selection of games to choose from. This gaming device offers a unique combination of physical inputs (i.e., you don't sit on the couch to play it; you have to move around) and social interactions (the games encourage multiple players). You can see a list of the games and controllers we have available here. Most games are available for library use only, but a rotating selection of titles will be available for one-day checkout for those with Wiis at home.

Why a Wii? Well, we're interested in exploring this technology not only for its recreational possibilities but its potential as an educational tool. A recent Educause document details the 7 things you should know about the Wii. Our student assistants have replicated the experiments with the Wiimote controller shown here. A forthcoming study from the American Library Association will explore the possible connections between gaming and literacy. We hope that you will join us in these investigations, sharing this resource that we have purchased for all of us to use in common.

So whether you want to practice your bowling, or try out the WiiFit on your lunch hour, or experience Star Wars The Force Unleashed or MarioKart, come by the library and check out the Wii!

Library Open House

Fall semester is in full swing! The Gardner-Harvey Library staff has been hard at work creating new resources and services for the 2008-2009 academic year. We would like to invite all members of the campus community to the Library to learn more about what we have to offer – we think that you will be surprised and delighted with what you find. Meet and greet the librarians, enjoy refreshments (yes, you can eat in the library!), take part in our Nintendo Wii tournament (yes, we have a Wii!), take a break on our new outdoor terrace, attend brief information sessions highlighting our new services, and have your name entered into a drawing for a prize give-away.

Mark your calendars -

3:00-5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 24th
1:00-3:00 pm on Thursday, September 25th

We hope you'll join us! Stop by for a few minutes between classes and meetings or stick around and relax at the library for the afternoon.