Petition: Close the Belk Library Game Room at App State

since ASU already has a game room located appropriately in the Student Union just 50 yards from the Library, installing a second game room in the Library just steps away from the Student Union makes me think this is an elaborate postmodernist joke whose meaning we are yet to decipher

I don't get why you have such an issue with video games in the library. Aren't video games just another form of media like books or dvds?

Indeed. And following that reason, we need to make sure we load up on subprime mortgages, collateralized debt obligations, and fracking, too. I mean, don't be afraid of change, right, "people"?

My hometown public library has been renting games alongside its movies and CDs since the 90's.... it's 2015 people....

This latest assault on academics makes me wonder anew at the continuing decline of intellectual pursuits at ASU (and in the UNC System) orchestrated by people who think that software and technology are the same as teaching and education, and who have erroneously concluded that student activities are synonymous with the life of the mind. Whatever became of academic leadership?

Like any great book or film, a great game is a work of art. I, for one, am enthusiastic to see this exciting, interactive media added to our library's extensive collection.

Pay attention, Lacy. Emily is outraged. She might have mentioned that once or twice. Outraged. Also, she's busy defending all of academia and that has got to be exhausting. It's a lot to take on so forgive her if she doesn't answer. Play Call of Duty and burn some books while you wait for what is sure to be a well informed response.

Just wait to play Call of Duty until you get home cuh

This pretentious and misinformed ranting is not helping your professor's case, Emily. The poster of this petition doesn't wish to be labeled a Luddite so try to remember that the library is so much more than books.

Let's address your concerns: -The library's equipment is more updated than that in the student union, and can be booked in advance. The equipment's placement in a closed study room makes it accessible and appropriate for people conducting research. -One engages with a game by “playing.” Had the article writer used the word "use," "engage," "study," would you still be so distressed? What if it was called the Digital Development Lab? -If we are going to claim that the library's gaming equipment will have some detrimental effect on our students' mental health, let's also address the easy access ASU students have to sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. We allow smoking on campus. Who is shouting about that? What about exercise addiction? Shut down the SRC? Fortunately, the study room with the gaming equipment must be booked and can only be used for four hours at a time, and only if the entire four-hour block has been left free from other bookings. So even IF a student with an addictive problem wanted to get his fix from this room, it would be really difficult. Are these students also complaining about the PSU game room? How about the ubiquitous nature of game consoles in the dorms? Students are at far more risk from their or their friends' personal equipment. -Consumers, not learners. You keep saying that. What you fail to grasp is that libraries provide what their patrons want and need. The library has installed equipment conducive to learning and research in many disciplines, but apparently not yours. If you don’t want to use it, don’t use it. And distraction? Please. College students are adults with far more exciting distractions than a second-floor study room. Look around campus. Look at all the other really fantastic distractions BESIDES the ones on everyone’s smartphones. I seriously doubt that the presence of one closed-door study room is going to derail our students from the straight and narrow. Michael, we are not going to convince one

Provide more details on those books, Emily. Are you referring to the print journals the library weeded this summer?

Lacy Morris and Jay Stevens--If standing up for the library as a sanctuary of the mind and not a game room is something you see fit to quibble about, then you have no business in academic life--or perhaps you have plenty of business in it, based on the appalling behavior of the administration since my freshman year at this university. It is an instant affront that video games are being moved into the library while books are being removed destroyed. I will not stand for it and am not only embarrassed but personally outraged.

There are books in the library. They're great for all kinds of things, not just propping up the Playstation.

What books are you referring to, Emily?

This is an outrage and a trivialization of academic work. Put the books back in the library.

People have provided compelling arguments for having the room. And you're still complaining about the way the room was announced. We get it. You didn't like the way it was written. This petition isn't about library PR practices though so stick to the issue. Taking resources away from students? How so?

How does it make it better? The concerns are: - This kind of room is available elsewhere on campus; - The library's own publicity emphasizes "play," not academically-oriented endeavors; - Some students on the petition complain that gaming can have an addictive character that has harmed their studies; - More generally, this room seems to be consistent with treating students as consumers, not learners. Let's say all of what I've written is incorrect. Can you explain why this is the case? I've seen lots of ad hominem attacks here against people writing petitions; the argument that we should not take seriously articles about the library appearing on the library's website; and the argument that we're technophobes or Luddites to suggest a playroom is not part of a library's mission--even if this playroom could distract and take resources from students studying technology, math, various sciences, etc. What is the compelling academic argument for having such a room? And if there is one, why didn't the library mention it?

dorm rooms are for gaming not libraries

This guy Michael is getting exactly what hes asking for, attention. He wants power over this, among other things, due to the fact that he lacks power in his own life. Lets try not to give this obviously unhappy man the attention he has been begging for at Appalachian State.

Ahhh!!!! I see.... Not only are you myopic, but you are also a xenophobe.