Board and Card Game Resource for Libraries
Board and Card Game Resource for Libraries
Board and Card Game Resource for Libraries
An Initiative by Scott Nicholson and the mEducation Alliance
Introduction
In an effort to empower libraries in low-resource settings, Scott Nicholson, an educator from Wilfrid Laurier University, is collaborating with the mEducation Alliance to create a comprehensive resource aimed at enhancing library programs through board and card games. This initiative is designed to enable youth to teach others how to play these games, fostering community engagement and learning.
Project Overview
The primary goal of this project is to compile a list of board and card games that can withstand the rigors of library use over a decade. The selected games should meet specific criteria to ensure they are suitable for diverse audiences, including those with varying levels of language proficiency. The resource will include detailed lists of games that are easy to explain, engaging, robust enough to endure missing pieces, visually appealing, and easy to manage.
Criteria for Game Selection
To ensure the effectiveness of the selected games, the project team has established several key criteria:
Robustness: The games should be playable even if some components are missing or if critical pieces can be easily replaced.
Explainability: Each game must be teachable and playable within an hour, making it accessible for quick learning sessions.
Table Presence: The games should have an appealing design or active gameplay that attracts players and encourages participation.
Engagement: Players should remain actively involved throughout the game with minimal downtime.
Overhead: The setup and breakdown of games should be straightforward, allowing for easy verification of components and efficient packing after use.
How to Contribute
Scott Nicholson and his students are inviting contributions from the community. If you have suggestions for board or card games that fit the project's criteria, you can participate by adding your recommendations to a dedicated Google Document. Simply scroll to the bottom of the document and list your game suggestions under the “ADD NEW GAMES HERE” section. Each entry should be on a separate line, and duplicates are acceptable, as the team will filter them out during their review process.
Link to the Contribution Document
Library Game List Brainstorm - Google Docs
This initiative represents an exciting opportunity to enhance library programs by leveraging the power of board and card games. By facilitating youth-led gaming sessions, libraries can foster community connections and learning, making them vital resources in low-resource settings. The project, funded by the mEducation Alliance, is poised to create an open-source repository of game resources that will be beneficial to libraries around the world.
For any questions or additional information, please reach out to Scott Nicholson at scott@scottnicholson.com. Your contributions will play a crucial role in shaping this resource and enhancing the gaming experience in libraries globally.