REVIEW: Super 7 (iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch)
WHAT? Super 7 is a simple puzzle game for the iPad/iPhone/iPod.  Using your finger, you draw lines between numbered hexagons and link them together to get to the number 7.  The key here is building up large hexagons to get more points.  Once the ball (or hexagon) gets rolling, the game gets faster and throws in negative numbers, special power ups, and more.  These additions take the puzzle element to the next level.
WHY? Simple and easy to pick up, Super 7 is a great way to get into gaming on the iPad.  It shows how simple gaming on the iPad just using your finger to contribute to the action should be.  It’s not overly clunky and all that it takes is for the player to simply draw a line.  Anyone could get into this game and younger children could perhaps learn something about numbers and math.
WHO? Well worth the 99 cents it costs to download the game, Super 7 is a great game that will provide a short spurt of fun to the player.  It could also be a great game for younger kids learning about numbers and math.  The action may get too intense (speed wise) for them once the numbers start flying, but a basic run through the game will help get them familiar with numbers and addition.
Originally posted here on 10/4/2010
Essentials for starting a video game program at your library
So you’re thinking about starting a gaming program at your library?  It seems like an easy thing to do.  You get a TV, a video game system, a few games and BOOM!  There you have it.
 But wait!
In order to make the gaming program at your library something special, you’ll want to go that extra step.  Here’s a few of the smaller details you won’t want to overlook.
1. Television: Make sure you get a really good TV.  Patrons don’t want to come to the library to play games on a small TV when they could do that at home.  Go nuts.  Order that 50 inch HD Plasma TV you’ve got your eyes on.  Better yet, why not go for a projector?  You won’t regret it and your patrons will love it.  The flashier the video game program is, the better chance a library has to attract patrons.  We have to give them a unique experience!
2. Staff: Make sure you've got staff on board that are either gamers themselves or people that are interested to learn.  Your patrons just don’t want you to simply set up the games and let them be.  They will be begging you to join their band in Rock Band or they’ll want to brawl with you on Super Smash Brothers Brawl…and you’ll want to impress them with your skills.  Positioning your staff as video gaming experts will be great for your community.
3. Materials: Here's a great basic start-up plan here.  It’s a quick run through of where to begin game and accessory wise.  A good place to start.
4. Schedule: To get them to keep coming back to your library, make sure your gaming program is not a one shot deal.  Establish a consistent weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly plan (I suggest weekly to start!) where you’ll be having regular gaming programs.  Your users will get into a routine of coming into the library a specific day of the week to enjoy a few hours of collaborative gaming.
You can find this post in its original form here. Â Originally published 1/4/2010.
Tip: Gaming Activities
The term "games" refers to a lot more than just checkers, Monopoly, and video games. Games are structured activities that have goals, rules, challenges, and interaction, so as you're planning your NGD2009 event, don't forget that "games" includes activities like checkers (some libraries have purchased or received as donations life-size checkers or chess sets for even more unique fun), trivia, hopscotch, and the like.
You can also customize classics such as scavenger hunts, crossword puzzles, bingo, and trivia contests so that the content reflects your local community or your library. If you're at a small library that's just getting started with gaming, you don't have to go high-tech to participate in this year's National Gaming Day, and you can include all ages in your activities.
Tip: Great idea
Great idea from a participating #ngd2009 lib: "we will have a giant crossword puzzle based on aspects of our school for everyone to work on."
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