Gaming and libraries vs. gaming in school libraries

A visiting blogger, Michael Westfall, in the Tame The Web blog talked about games in his school library in Chicago. At first reading I wanted to dismiss his concerns. Then I realized that I was looking at the issue from the perspective of someone whose world has not always had computer games. I actually witnessed the generational change: when I was young, we didn’t have a computer in the house. My youngest brother (just shy of 10 years younger than me), on the other hand, probably doesn’t remember a time without one. (And this was when a Commodore 64 counted!)

I’m a gamer, but I came to gaming from books. I read before I became a gamer. I still read. I read when I’m not gaming. I read gaming tips online. I read gaming-related stuff while playing. I read stuff not related to gaming while playing. I can’t imagine not reading. I can’t imagine how someone can think you don’t have to read to play games. That’s what separates me from the kids in Michael Westfall’s school. I guess I am firmly on the ‘old’ side of the generational gap…