Play On! A Research Colloquium on Play in Libraries (Postponed)

Date

May 15, 2020 09:00 - 17:00

Location

Montreal

Details

Website: https://www.mcgill.ca/library/branches/roaar/events/research-colloquium-play-2020

“When we play, we explore the limits of the possible” –Thomas Hendricks.

This perspective on play is a useful one for libraries. The changing needs and services of 21st-century libraries, users, and education demand that we consider new ways of promoting engagement, interaction, and creativity.

Play is a way of exploring those options, of learning, and of exchanging ideas with others. The benefits of play and games for children are now well-established; the question of where play and games fit in the serious, product and goal-oriented adult world is less well developed. Libraries are excellent at organizing information but have, historically, been less open to free exploration and playful interaction in a library environment.

Public libraries and the world of games have paved the way for new ideas on user interaction and engagement. Where can the element of fun enter into the research experience? How can games and play change the way users/players engage with their library environment?

ROAAr invites papers and workshop proposals on the topic of play, games, and creative engagement in education and libraries for “Play On!,” a research colloquium on play in libraries. The presentations should encourage engagement and discussion. Interactive and alternative projects are encouraged.