1. Role Playing Games in the Library Diana Maliszewski James Maliszewski

2. Session Overview Basic questions and handouts Basic questions and handouts History of RPGs History of RPGs James’ personal story James’ personal story Benefits and uses of RPGs Benefits and uses of RPGs Diana’s personal story Diana’s personal story RPG products and the future RPG products and the future Audience questions and prizes Audience questions and prizes

3. School Library Journal: March 1991 (Volume 37, Issue 3, page 138) Popular with teens Popular with teens Perceived adult disapproval Perceived adult disapproval Thrill of danger Thrill of danger In control of “simpler life” In control of “simpler life” Experiment with identity Experiment with identity Feels exclusive (own jargon, notes, etc.) Feels exclusive (own jargon, notes, etc.) Establish credibility Establish credibility

4. USA Today: June 25, 2002 “It’s fun. It’s social, and it’s like stepping into a well-written adventure novel.” “It’s fun. It’s social, and it’s like stepping into a well-written adventure novel.” Make friends Make friends Collaborate Collaborate

5. National Review Online: www.nationalreview.com October 15, 2004 www.nationalreview.com At one time had social stigma – “geeks” At one time had social stigma – “geeks” More likely for gamers to read, write, design & calculate than watch TV More likely for gamers to read, write, design & calculate than watch TV Gets players to use imagination Gets players to use imagination (read portion) (read portion)

6. Using RPGs for Information “Atlas of the Walking Dead” “Atlas of the Walking Dead” (view video) (view video)

7. Using RPGs for Fun “Dream Park” “Dream Park” 4-6 players 4-6 players Note home Note home

8. RPG Club

11. Tips from Rob Prior Clarify that RPG not same as drama term Clarify that RPG not same as drama term If a new GM, use “Dream Park” & run adventures straight from book If a new GM, use “Dream Park” & run adventures straight from book Chance for people to learn about tactics & cooperation (teaching moments occur) Chance for people to learn about tactics & cooperation (teaching moments occur) Can use art & geography skills to make characters & settings Can use art & geography skills to make characters & settings

12. The Future MMORPG such as “World of Warcraft”, “City of Heroes” and “EverQuest” MMORPG such as “World of Warcraft”, “City of Heroes” and “EverQuest” (view video) (view video)