Is there a reason that we essentially made people feel bad for playing Pokemon Go in our libraries? It seems odd to me that a game that gets our target demographic into the library and could help increase market penetration is being looked down upon by library staff. Does this mean that we have to make our libraries Pokémon free zones because they are supposed to be a "fortified stronghold against senselessness?" I would also like to note that it makes it seem like we don't think our anime clubs or game events are good things either, that we only do them because we have to. This article seems to show members that there is a preference for a certain type of member as opposed to embracing members who come into the library with a variety of needs or desires.
Tess,
If you are referring to the opening new info page, it was not our intent to demean Pokemon Go players. It was our way of seeing humor in the latest fad. The intent was to show that we have all types of activities and programs available for our diverse audience. While I realize that not everything we write or design is going to be liked by everyone, I appreciate your honest feedback. - Kim
This game that is trivialized in the magazine has been an incredible benefit to people who suffer from various mental issues such as depression and anxiety. It has encouraged generations within the family unit to go out and enjoy their environment together. Thousands of people attended the Bricktown GO meetup last Friday. Every library branch in the system is at least a PokeStop (resource gathering point) in the game - which means the game itself is encouraging players to physically come to the libraries. Perhaps these people should be recognized and welcomed instead of dismissed as "hordes of Poke-eyed zombies."
Comments
Is the person on the front page of the magazine a MLS employee?
No
Is there a reason that we essentially made people feel bad for playing Pokemon Go in our libraries? It seems odd to me that a game that gets our target demographic into the library and could help increase market penetration is being looked down upon by library staff. Does this mean that we have to make our libraries Pokémon free zones because they are supposed to be a "fortified stronghold against senselessness?" I would also like to note that it makes it seem like we don't think our anime clubs or game events are good things either, that we only do them because we have to. This article seems to show members that there is a preference for a certain type of member as opposed to embracing members who come into the library with a variety of needs or desires.
Tess,
If you are referring to the opening new info page, it was not our intent to demean Pokemon Go players. It was our way of seeing humor in the latest fad. The intent was to show that we have all types of activities and programs available for our diverse audience. While I realize that not everything we write or design is going to be liked by everyone, I appreciate your honest feedback. - Kim
This game that is trivialized in the magazine has been an incredible benefit to people who suffer from various mental issues such as depression and anxiety. It has encouraged generations within the family unit to go out and enjoy their environment together. Thousands of people attended the Bricktown GO meetup last Friday. Every library branch in the system is at least a PokeStop (resource gathering point) in the game - which means the game itself is encouraging players to physically come to the libraries. Perhaps these people should be recognized and welcomed instead of dismissed as "hordes of Poke-eyed zombies."