Creating More Accessible and Inclusive Library Gaming Programs

A two-part webinar series taking place Wednesdays, February 25 and March 4, 2026, 2:00pm Eastern/1:00pm Central/12:00pm Mountain/11:00am Pacific. Each session will last 60 minutes.

Description

Much of the focus on library gaming collections has been around their creation and some support related to programming. This webinar aims to delve deeper into the accessibility barriers to our gaming collections and programs and suggests more inclusive programming to reduce these barriers. Using the framework developed by Meeple Like Us, participants will learn about socioeconomic, cognitive, tactile, emotional, intersectional, and visual accessibility in relation to games in libraries. Using this knowledge, suggestions for more inclusive collections, services, and programs will be provided to ensure more of our users can engage with our collections.

Part One will emphasize Collection Development; Part 2 will focus on programming in the library.

Learning Outcomes:

By taking this training, participants will gain:

• an introduction to the various accessibility challenges within gaming collections.
• the ability to apply knowledge developed around these barriers.
• suggestions for building more accessible collections going forward.
• suggestions for programming that is more inclusive.
• support as they work with users looking to use games within the libraries collection.

Known as the "gaming librarian," Michelle Goodridge (Head, User and Access Services, Wilfrid Laurier University) has been working with games in libraries for over nine years. Some of her career highlights have been co-writing a book Librarian's Guide to Games and Gamers: From Collection Development to Advisory Services," establishing Laurier's first gaming library, working with game industry experts to design games and a gaming library as a consultant for a multi-million dollar company, co-teaching a Niche Academy workshop on gaming programs in libraries with over 2500 registrants, launching the Digital Gaming Communities Web Archive, designing and teaching a first-year undergraduate course on critical game design (DD102), and research using board games to assist second language learning and build relationships between domestic and international students.

This event will be hosted in Zoom. Automatic captions will be enabled for this event. This event will be recorded, and registrants will receive access to the recording once it is available.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.