Library Online Gaming Services
“We found that online gaming provides a structure in which people can come together and create that sense of community, work towards a common goal, have a good time together, and feel connected to one another.” – Alicia Woodland
Meet Alicia Woodland, the Young Adults Services Manager for the McMillian Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Libraries and reading were a big part of Alicia’s childhood. She remembers going to libraries established by Andrew Carnegie as a child. She recalls her first positive role model outside of her family being a librarian as well. Alicia always had an inherent love of libraries, making it natural to pursue a career in librarianship. And so her professional story in libraries begins.
Alicia runs an online gaming service centered on the game, Among Us, for children, teens, and young adults in her community. Among Us became the game of choice because of its increase in popularity, and because it is free and can be played on various devices. It seemed to be the most inclusive choice during the development of the online gaming service. Developing the service required Alicia to create a discord server that only allows children over the age of 13 to play and interact. Additionally, she set up bots to make sure the server stayed safe and accessible. The bots in place do not allow for inappropriate images and content, and all of the set up is done to be proactive and prevent harm. In the game, Among Us, a passcode is generated and must be used before entering into the playing space. Alicia will make the passcodes public on the discord for everyone to join in and play when it is time for an official game. Outside of that, individuals are welcome to practice together in the discord space during its open hours.
Since playing regularly this past year, Alicia has noticed that there are not that many trolls. In general, she encountered more people who were nice and simply looking for a fun time. In addition, the online gaming service has become a safe way for people in the community to socialize and make friends. Many individuals are experiencing isolation and a decline in interpersonal interactions during the pandemic. Alicia saw the trying time as an opportunity for her library to act as that third place where people can come together and feel that sense of connection while adhering to the standards and precautions of the pandemic.
To learn more about the design and value of the online gaming service, check out this podcast episode with Alicia Woodland. Alicia discusses screen time, addiction, realism, and other stigmas associated with online and video gaming as well as the impact it has brought to families in her community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Alicia Woodland at awoodland@mcmillanlibrary.org.