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A creative look at the theories behind game-based learning
THIS publication seeks to explore the value of games-based learning and gamifi cation in school library programmes whilst carefully making a distinction between the two, explaining that games-based learning is essentially learning through play, whereas gamifi cation provides incentives for students to learn.
The book off ers practical help and advice for librarians wishing to design and imple- ment play into their school libraries, whilst also highlight- ing a number of diff erent case studies from libraries around the world, which can eff ectively be replicated and adapted to fi t a variety of learning outcomes. These case studies are aimed primarily at primary and sec- ondary school libraries, however the principles and pedagogical theories underpinning each games-based activity can easily be applied to any library sector where information literacy instruction is prominent. Rooted in educational theory, the book outlines diff erent pedagogical styles and examines how games- based learning activities can be rooted in a variety of theories, and most importantly, how diff erent students might have a preference for certain styles. For example, a student with dyspraxia might engage better with games designed around Brain-Based Learning Theory, whereas autistic students might prefer games based on Bandura’s Social Learning
50 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
A fi rst-hand account of a librarian at the coalface of the profession
Pavey, Sarah. Playing Games in the School Library. London: Facet Publishing, 2021. 192 pp. ISBN 9781783305339. £45.
Theory. Pavey continually emphasises the need for games to be designed in alignment with the learning outcomes to ensure eff ective learning is tak- ing place and to avoid games becoming a gimmick, and the importance of incorporating interleaving and scaff olding of content within games, as well highlighting the benefi ts of games-based learning, not only in content engagement, but also in developing a range of emotional and social skills. The book is suited to any librarian who strives to make informa- tion literacy instruction more creative, engaging and relevant to the information needs and behaviours of their users.
Amber Edwards (she/her) Teacher-Librarian
Malvern College, Hong Kong
THE LIBRARIAN: a memoir describes the frontline work in a public library in a deprived area. It high- lights the outstanding value libraries off er and the diffi culties of deliv- ering the service in the context of diminishing budgets and increased expectations. Paradoxes and problems abound, but there are also reasons to be uplifted and inspired. The author cares deeply about the role of the library in her community and takes it upon herself to help the library users while being constrained by the lack of resources, time, staff , attitudes of some of her colleagues and, occasionally, less than supportive manage- ment. She takes it all in her stride and perseveres. She serves avid readers, parents and children, job seekers, disa- bled people, homeless, mental health suff erers, drug users, illiterates, disruptive teenagers, lonely people and those with nowhere to go. She breaks the library rules if compassion demands it and does not hide her anger at social inequality, poverty and the perceived inad- equacies of the benefi ts system. This book shines a light on aspects of libraries which may be unfamiliar to some peo- ple – libraries as centres of community life, fi lling the gaps in the system, providing help for people which they may not be able to get elsewhere and serving as an ultimate safety net to some.
The themes of mental health March 2023
Morgan, Allie. The Librarian: a memoir. London: Ebury Press 2021. 296 pp ISBN 9781529107425. £14
and trauma are woven into the narrative as Morgan gives a frank account of her struggles with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. She shares her coping strategies and shows how working as a librarian helped her recovery.
It is well written, entertain- ing, vivid and engaging. It will probably make you laugh and may make you cry. One of the rules which the author has invented for herself and which I fi nd particularly worth remem- bering is “Do no harm but take no sh*t”.
Margaret Iwona Katny London SW19
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