GameRT runs a variety of events where library workers can get professional development on topics about gaming in libraries. You can see upcoming events here and recorded events here.
Here are definitions of the various kinds of events in our event catalog:
Monthly GameRT Board Meetings
The GameRT Board of Directors meets once per month via Zoom to discuss board initiatives. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 12:00pm Central. Board meetings are open to any GameRT member. Board meeting invite links can be found by logging into ALA Connect and going to the Games & Gaming Round Table member forum. Board meeting agendas are posted to the member forum each month. There is an open session at the end of each meeting where GameRT members can bring up comments and questions to the Board.
In-person Conference Events
Events at the ALA Annual Conference:
Game publishers and designers can get more information about exhibiting at ALA Annual or donating games for the Gaming Lounge here.
- ALA Play at ALA Annual: networking and game night event on Friday night of the conference where we play games, have publishers demo their games, and announce the winner of the GameRT Game On! Grant
- GameRT President’s Program: professional development conference session on a gaming in libraries topic
- Gaming Lounge: GameRT’s space on the exhibit floor where you can learn about GameRT, play games, and check out gaming publisher booths
- Trivia Championship: GameRT has paired with New Members Round Table (NMRT) and Reference & User Services Association (RUSA) to make this Trivia Contest happen. Teams or solo players are both encouraged to battle for the title of Best Reference Librarian!
International Games Month (IGM)
IGM is an annual celebration of gaming in libraries that takes place every November. Libraries around the world participate by running gaming programs for their patrons. You can learn more about the history of IGM and how to participate on the IGM information page.
Webinars via Zoom
Gaming in Libraries Webinars — one hour webinars on a variety of topics relevant to gaming in libraries that consist of either a presentation of a topic or a panel discussion followed by a Q&A with the presenter/panelists
Learn & Play — one hour sessions that consist of a presentation on using a specific game for library programming followed by a play session where attendees can actually play the game in a virtual setting
Livestreams via Twitch
What is Twitch?
Twitch is “where millions of people come together live every day to chat, interact, and make their own entertainment together.” It’s a livestreaming platform where creators can host live discussions or play games for a live audience. There is usually an audience chat where viewers can engage with the host(s) and other viewers.
Why is GameRT on Twitch?
Twitch is a mainstream gaming entertainment site, but a lot of gaming discussion and education happens there, too! Some libraries even run their own Twitch channels to connect with patrons. GameRT runs a few different web series on Twitch to engage with a wider audience and spread the word about gaming in libraries. The GameRT Twitch channel also serves as an example of the kinds of programming libraries can run with/for patrons. Go follow GameRT on Twitch for updates when we go live!
GameRT Twitch Series:
LAG: Librarians Attempt Games — watch and join the chat as librarians play a variety of games while discussing how they’d use them for programming (viewers typically do not play along, but are welcome to participate in chat)
Low Stress High Mayhem — we dig into some indie and/or micro TTRPGs that are great for various library settings, sometimes inviting publishers and designers to GM a session for librarians to play, including a discussion on using the game in libraries (viewers typically do not play along, but sometimes there is a chance for audience participation, and folks are always welcome to participate and ask questions in chat)
Round Table Round Table — we select a topic relevant to gaming in libraries and invite a group of library workers to discuss it (viewers are encouraged to participate in chat)
Mini Conference
In 2023, GameRT launched a Mini Conference event. The Mini Conference is a one-day, virtual event featuring presentations on a specific topic/theme related to gaming in libraries. The first Mini Conference is on tabletop roleplaying games and will happen on March 31, 2023 (event details to come soon!). A call for presentations for the Mini Conference goes out on GameRT social media channels and the final schedule of presentations is chosen and reviewed by GameRT’s Programming Committee.
Spectacular Events
GameRT partners with other ALA round tables to put on fun, interactive events. These events typically feature several sessions in a single day featuring a specific theme across a variety of media. These events are kind of enigmatic pop-up events full of mayhem and popular culture. The first Spectacular we did was Spooky Spectacular in October 2022 and GameRT partnered with ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table and Film & Media Round Table. There will be another Spectacular in April 2023, so keep an eye out for more info.