I'm a big advocate for libraries. So much so, that I pay the extra fee to be able to access the libraries one town over from mine (which has a nice library of its own).
I'm also a somewhat new fan of Pathfinder. I'm slowly working my way through the rules in my spare time so that I can run a game for my non-gaming friends and family that have become curious about these RPG books that I've been reading.
With all that in mind, these search results from my library system's online catalog make me happy.
I'm especially so, because I requested all those titles to be added to the collection. Every one of the seven that are currently there is one that I specifically requested, though I have asked for more that may still be on order (not sure).
Just to be clear, this isn't to skip out on buying them myself. I own the Core Rule Book and the Bestiary and plan to pick up the Game Mastery Guide (and Bestiary 2) and a host of others when additional funds make themselves available.
I see these library holdings as another means of spreading the hobby in general and the playing of Pathfinder in particular. They're good advertisements. People can look at the books and if they like them, they can buy them down the road. Also, it will be easier to get Pathfinder events at the library (more on that later) if the event is in support of materials already in the collection.
So, my challenge to all of you is to check your library's online catalog and see if Pathfinder products are in the collection. Post your search results here for fun.
If they aren't in the collection, check your library's site for a method to suggest items for the library to acquire.
Then when the materials come in, make sure to check them out. I know when I was walking through the library with the Game Mastery book under my arm, one person asked what it was and then was excited that the library actually carried game manuals. Then the librarian said, "Hmm, this looks interesting. I'll have to check that out." I think getting the books in front of a public that isn't used to seeing gaming materials can only be a good thing.
Now for the questions.
Has anyone tried to set up any formal play within their local library system?
Would this be something that could incorporate Pathfinder Society play?
Has Paizo considered setting up some sort of program to support libraries?
That's it. Have fun everyone. Continue supporting Pathfinder and please consider supporting your local library.
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Now for the questions.
Has anyone tried to set up any formal play within their local library system?
Would this be something that could incorporate Pathfinder Society play?
If your library has a private (study) rooms - usually these are mostly glass doors so that people can see in. These are best for home games run at a lib. as games can get fairly loud. The noise factor is also the deterrent for PFS play if you plan on having more than one table. If your lib has a larger after school program, they most likely have a room with big tables that is fairly soundproof that can be used though
Unfortunately, though my library attempted to add RPG materials to its collection, they were either borrowed and never returned, stolen outright, or misused when borrowed to the point that they were no longer suitable for circulation. The consensus on such items is that they are simply not worth the effort to maintain.
Luckily, from my discussions with library employees in other parts of the nation, these issues with general theft and vandalism appear to be somewhat unique to my geographic location. It does make such things difficulty, though, when it is the simple reality of your home town.
Unfortunately, though my library attempted to add RPG materials to its collection, they were either borrowed and never returned, stolen outright, or misused when borrowed to the point that they were no longer suitable for circulation. The consensus on such items is that they are simply not worth the effort to maintain.
Luckily, from my discussions with library employees in other parts of the nation, these issues with general theft and vandalism appear to be somewhat unique to my geographic location. It does make such things difficulty, though, when it is the simple reality of your home town.
I'm glad we don't have that problem here. One nice thing about living smack dab in the middle of the Midwest.
This library system seems to have a long tradition of buying gaming materials as some branches have a healthy stock of D&D 3, 3.5 and now 4e. After seeing all of these, I decided that Pathfinder should be added to the list.
I should also note that this library system maintains a number of programs targeted specifically at teens. They seem to be well attended and the teens also enjoy their own section of the library and general library support for programs that they themselves design and run.
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Wow, a great topic! I'm a librarian and a gamer, and this subject is certainly something I know something about. :)
True, most city libraries have at least a modest collection of RPGs, but not all. Some libraries even outright refuse to buy RPGs, because they’re expensive and library funds are often all too limited.
I guess it’s fair to say that most librarians -- although in general well-versed in literature -- are not that well-informed about RPGs. Based on my own discussions with colleagues, I'd dare to hazard a guess that most librarians aren't even aware that their libraries carry RPG titles. If they do, far too many seem to mix them up with board games (“Oh yeah, they’re like ‘Ticket to Ride’ or ‘Risk’, right?”) or some sort of children’s material. And no wonder, since most libraries seem to shelve them at some hidden corner of the children’s department. And yet some senior librarians may still remember the news linking RPGs to Satanism and occult murders; it's even more unfortunate that these stereotypes still exist in media today, especially in France. But I’ve seen it happen in Finland, too –- a large city library had not acquired any RPG titles in 10 years, because “those games have something to do with worshipping the Devil, right?”.
Usually we gamers tend to be pretty self-sufficient as library customers; we know exactly what we want, and we know where to find it. Why would we need those ignorant library staffers to try to help us, if we know more about this material anyway? On the other hand, how could librarians know more abour RPGs, or that there would be local demand for RPGs, if they’re never requested or asked about? To make matters slightly worse, many gamers like to read the books at the library, and won’t borrow them (thus it won’t show up in circulation numbers).
But it’s not just librarians who might be ignorant on libraries having RPGs in their collections; I’ve met many veteran gamers who’ve been utterly astonished when I’ve told them that you can check out RPGs at libraries. And here I’d blame the libraries “hiding” the material where it won’t be accidentally found, unless you love to read children’s books or have kids of your own (there are exceptions to this, and some libraries even promote RPG books, but that is quite rare in my experience).
If a library has a more or less up-to-date RPG collection, it might be because of the afore-mentioned local demand; perhaps the local RPG community is very active in making acquisition proposals, and they might even select the titles for the library. However, more often this is due to a member of the library staff being a gamer, and in that case the collection will stay current only as long as said staff members work there; after that, I fear collection development won’t be done on a regular basis (if at all).
However, anybody can help his/her local library with their RPG collection; we librarians recognize the fact that just can’t make informed choices about material we’re unfamiliar (or less familiar) with. That’s why we usually specialize in certain types of material and literature genres, and sometimes use third-party experts (often customers) to help with collection evaluation and development. As the OP noticed, libraries take acquisition proposals from customers very seriously; most libraries consider it almost mandatory to purchase anything their patrons want, as long as it does not violate their collection policy/strategy or rules (e.g. no racist material). So, use this possibility to promote your hobby, but try to be as objective as possible; while it may be cool that your local library has copies of every supplement for your favorite RPG, it may not serve the needs of other gamers. And here’s an important tip: Boxed Sets are not exactly ideal as library material! Why? Because all those “fiddly bits” (maps, tokens, dice, cards, minis etc.) are a pain to catalogue and keep track of when such an item is returned. And sooner or later some pieces are bound to get lost, and it might irritate the library if they have to pay another 100 bucks for a new copy of, say, WFRP 3rd Edition –- just because four cards and two tokens are missing (making the game, at least in this case, unplayable). This is the very reason why “my” library (i.e. the library I work at) decided to skip 4E Essentials; why bother getting the ‘Heroes of…’ books, if we cannot offer the DM Kit and Monster Vault to our customers? Having said that, I truly hope that Paizo will release Pathfinder Basic also as a book, because I fear many libraries won’t buy the boxed set, even if they wanted to.
Also, TALK to library employees about RPGs; tell them about role-playing and the benefits of our hobby. Ask if they have any; if not, ask them WHY have they excluded RPGs from their collection. Let them know that at least SOME people would like to check out RPGs. You could also suggest that you (or someone you know) could start running RPGs at the library; after all, it’s a worldwide trend in libraries to focus on projects and programs aimed at youth and young adults, and all kinds of new types of services (some of them far sillier than tabletop RPGs) are constantly being brainstormed and tried to draw more young customers into libraries.
Things are pretty good at my library; we just added about 100 new titles to our collection (and at least two items per title, I'm proud to add), including not only just “mainstream” titles (such as D&D, PF RPG, Warhammer 40000 or WoD), but also many award-winning indie games. We’re trying something new with promoting our new RPGs -- posters and flyers that we distribute at gaming stores and other places where potential roleplayers might hang out. Unfortunately, RPG titles are being stolen all too frequently over here, too; it doesn't help that most books cost even more than they do in the States. But that's a risk we take with any library material, and it's not as if movies, CDs, console games or graphic novels are any different in this regard. In fact, I’d say that in a typical library way more manga titles than RPGs will get stolen.
I’m also proud to say one of my collagues already runs D&D for children, youth and young adults, but there’s also been talk of someone else running games for adult players (those who don’t have a group or GM of their own), too. One of the branch libraries (that has an extensive collection of RPGs) has stated that they could provide at least one room for this purpose, and likely organize something with the local RPG store on worldwide gaming days. But my pet project is the plan to take the mobile library to the biggest annual RPG con in the country; we’ll see if we can make it happen, but I’m pretty optimistic about it! :)
I'm a (YA) librarian and a gamer too... Currently I'm looking for a permanent position.
I must say that I applaud Asgetion's initiative and resourcefulness. Good on you!
My public library had the 1st edition AD&D books which I was introduced to in high school. The YA librarian kept them specially in the bottom drawer of her desk and treated them as reference books not to be checked out, but she took great pleasure in taking them out and handing them over to me and my friends to play--this before I bought my own copies.
They also organized game days in the community room.
Suggesting that they stock Pathfinder now is an excellent idea.
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I'm a (YA) librarian and a gamer too... Currently I'm looking for a permanent position.
I must say that I applaud Asgetion's initiative and resourcefulness. Good on you!
Thanks! I didn't think our bosses would actually let us do *all* that -- on the other hand, who in their right mind would argue with a Chelaxian dwarf and a Favored Son of Almighty Asmodeus? ;P
But, seriously, my point was that we don't need Paizo (or other publishers) to set up programs specifically for public libraries; gamers and librarians can do it together. All it takes is some energy and enthusiasm on part of the customers; if gamers let the library employees know there's a local demand and interest for RPGs, most libraries will try to accomodate their needs. Another way to set this up is to link it to some sort of gaming event; for example, ALA has organized the national gaming day, which I think would ideal for roleplaying at libraries.
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..and a 1 and a 2 and 3 and a GO!
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..you guy/gals/misc rock!
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