The School Library System of Genesee Valley BOCES has developed a collection of games appropriate for use in school libraries. While these are not “educational games” all of the games are linked to New York State curriculum standards including math, ELA, and social studies standards. Based on the available research about gaming, we strongly believe that games are an important part of development. They provide a learning environment that presents a variety of new challenges, supports creative problem solving, and provides support for overcoming failure. As learning centers that provide a variety of instructional, informational, and entertaining resources for schools, it is only natural that libraries also provide games.

The games are available for two week loans to our member libraries. We also provide professional development support to help librarians and students learn how to play the games or to help them set up a gaming program that is appropriate for their libraries.

Gaming Resources
There is a growing body of research that supports the use of gaming in schools and libraries as a way to encourage critical thinking and other skills.

• Beck, John. Got Game.
• Gee, James Paul. What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy.
• Johnson, Steven. Everything Bad is Good For You.
• Levine, Jenny. Library Technology Reports. “Gaming and Libraries: Intersection of Services”
• Levine, Jenny. Library Technology Reports. “Gaming and Libraries Update”
• Neiburger, Eli. Gamers ... In the Library?!: The Why, What, and How of Videogame Tournaments for All Ages.
• Shaffer, David Williamson. How Computer Games Help Children Learn.