A Rare Find in Academic Libraries: A Collection of Games For Study

April 28, 2011 - PRLog -- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has started a new special collection rare in academic libraries: a collection of games for study. Although game design programs are popular new additions at many universities, few have coordinated with their libraries to develop collections of games- both electronic and tabletop- for students to study in game design courses.

While academic and public libraries have started to provide access to games for their clients, few develop those collections with an emphasis on the learning value of those games. The new collection at Harrisburg University seeks to provide students studying learning technologies and game design & development with the resources necessary to learn about the state of games industries and inspire creativity for both classroom assignments and professional practice. As industries, government, and education have begun to investigate games as viable tools for collaboration, learning, commerce, and simulation of complex tasks and ideas, HU students will be well-equipped to step from college directly into employment on the cutting edge of the field of games and gaming.

Harrisburg University’s nascent collection includes games for the Sony Playstation3, Microsoft Xbox360, Nintendo Wii, and PC, as well as several table games that go far beyond the typical family game night. Working with input from game design instructors, the student board game club, and other librarians, the HU library’s collection offers games representing multiple genres, several nations, and weeks of engaging gameplay.

Learn more about the Library at Harrisburg University online at http://library.harrisburgu.edu/home

Harrisburg University's expertise and exploration of games, simulations and virtual worlds for effective learning and education goes well beyond the library. Harrisburg University is the only higher education institution in Central Pennsylvania currently offering an academic program in video game design, development, programming and art during the 2010-11 academic year, according to research from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).

Additionally, the University, through the Center for Advanced Entertainment & Learning Technologies (CAEL&T) and the Learning Technologies Master of Science (LTMS) program conducts a yearly event that brings serious game designers from around the country to Harrisburg, PA.  The LTMS program provides opportunities for students to explore games and simulations for learning through the LTMS 603: Engaging with Activities, Games and Simulations course as part of the Educators' Technology Clinic format and  offers a concentration in game and simulation design as part of the LTMS degree.

The STEM-focused university also hosts the annual Learning and Entertainment Evolution Forum (LEEF) event that showcases immersive learning case studies, design and development sessions and a high tech demo area where attendees can explore new technologies that may impact game and simulation design in the future.

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu

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Established in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution.