Everybody wins when it comes to libraries. As you may know, video games represent some of the more expensive entertainment consumables on the market (often pushing $100 per game for the popular ones). So what is the impact on the video game industry when it comes to being able to borrow these games for free from the library? I've got some uplifting research that makes me believe—all the more—that libraries are a potent force for good! The research is focused primarily on books (these being the most highly associated with libraries in the cultural imagination), but I think that many of the concepts are transferable to other media, including movies, kitchen appliances, board games, and video games.
Keeping in mind that these findings represent secondary consequences and not the raison d'être—the true aim—of libraries, it is interesting to see how all of it plays out. Studies show that people are more likely to buy a book after they have borrowed it from the library. Being able to borrow allows us to familiarize ourselves with consumables and to make more informed purchases; "When free music became available on radio, it actually increased the market for records" (source: The Globe and Mail, Letters). Plus, access to a book not only engenders interest in the book itself but also in associated products. For example, even if you have only ever borrowed the Harry Potter books from the library and never bought one, the borrowing is still likely to have a positive impact economically. People who have read the Harry Potter books (or seen the movies—also available at the library) and enjoyed them will be much more inclined to purchase an article of Harry Potter clothing, a Harry Potter Lego set, or a Harry Potter wand replica (you see the point). In addition, "consumers who borrow books from libraries also purchase more books per month than those who don’t use libraries [emphasis added]" (source: Publishing Perspectives). Libraries help authors and publishers by encouraging reading—we firmly believe that reading really matters, and it does!—and library users, in turn, build up a significant portion of the book-buying market. What's more, people discover books at the library that they might not otherwise have heard about; in an "exploration of the new ecosystem of books" the Pew Research Center found that "19% of those ages 16 and older said they get recommendations from librarians or library websites." In many ways, libraries provide "free advertising" (there's a reason so many corporations turn to the 'free sample' to market their goods) and as we know, promotion and visibility are economically valuable. Librarians write reviews and make suggestions; they read advanced reading copies (ARCs) which helps to bring more awareness to new books, and they have conversations with library users. This blog is another example of how libraries provide visibility to the works of hardworking creators and help to connect people with meaningful content.
And while not all of these points are universally transferable across all types of borrowing materials (encouraging reading is, I would say, a special category unto itself), many of these concepts would apply to other borrowables, including kitchen appliances, movies, and video games. It only makes sense that libraries—in their quest to uphold our freedom to seek, retrieve, and impart information and ideas—would also produce incidental positive effects in neighbouring realms. Things tend to continue in the direction they are headed (this is well-documented in a variety of disciplines, including psychology, criminology, and natural science) and therefore it should come as no surprise that the good libraries are doing only compounds as the ripples spread outward.
I only own a popcorn maker today because of the fun of twice borrowing one from the Thornton Library. Half the books on my shelves are ones I’ve borrowed, loved, and subsequently bought (I've occasionally been tempted to buy a 'yes, I do need all these books' t-shirt). The same holds true for at least one of the video games in our collection; we borrowed it, played it, and later decided to make it one of our own. It doesn’t mean library users ever have to borrow with any of this in mind—the purpose of library lending is to provide equal access to books, media, and information of interest, not to sell stuff. It’s just a beautiful corollary that libraries are also good for creators: the hardworking and innovative people who do deserve to be remunerated fairly for their efforts, and whose dedication to their crafts is the reason we have things worth borrowing to begin with. Libraries may have a loftier purpose: defending intellectual freedom, standing as a counterpart to universal education, supporting literacy and lifelong learning (and so on). We may be among the most meaningful establishments in any liberated society (I don’t mean to brag), but it also would seem that libraries are a healthy part of the economic ecosystem.
You may already know that the library offers a hearty selection of video games for the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, and Wii U, but did you know that you can now borrow Nintendo Switch games? Because the cartridges are so tiny, you may notice that the cases are empty when you're browsing, but never fear! The cartridge will be at the checkout counter to pick up once you have made your selection—just bring the empty case to the front and claim your game. We hope that some of our Essa gamers out there are excited to settle in for some nice, cozy gaming weekends this autumn! We can't wait to see these getting enjoyed.
Without further ado, here are a few of the new additions that you can now borrow from EPL (descriptions from the distributor):
Splatoon 2
Get hyped for the sequel to the hit game about splatting ink and claiming turf, as the squid-like Inklings return in a colorful and chaotic 4 vs. 4 action shooter. For the first time, take Turf War battles on-the-go via local multiplayer in portable play styles. You can also compete in frenetic online matches like before. Two years have passed since the release of Splatoon, and two years have also passed in the game world, leading to an evolution in fashion trends and new styles of weapons and gear. Staying fresh never looked so good. Get it at the Essa Public Library
The Legend of Zelda, Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Forget everything you know about The Legend of Zelda games. Step into a world of discovery, exploration, and adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a boundary-breaking new game in the acclaimed series. Travel across vast fields, through forests, and to mountain peaks as you discover what has become of the kingdom of Hyrule in this stunning Open-Air Adventure.
Animal Crossing, New Horizons
If the hustle and bustle of modern life's got you down, Tom Nook has a new business venture up his sleeve that he knows you'll adore: the Nook Inc. Deserted island getaway package! Sure, you've crossed paths with colorful characters near and far. Had a grand time as one of the city folk. May've even turned over a new Leaf and dedicated yourself to public service! But deep down, isn't there a part of You that longs for ... freedom? Then perhaps a long walk on the beach of a deserted island, where a rich wealth of untouched nature awaits is just what the doctor ordered! Peaceful creativity and charm await as you roll up your sleeves and make your new life whatever you want it to be. Collect resources and craft everything from creature comforts to handy tools. Embrace your green thumb as you interact with flowers and trees in New ways. Set up a homestead where the rules of what goes indoors and out no longer apply. Make friends with new arrivals, enjoy the seasons, pole-vault across rivers as you explore, and more! Get it at the Essa Public Library
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Hit the road with the definitive version of Mario Kart 8 and play anytime, anywhere! Race your friends or battle them in a revised battle mode on new and returning battle courses. Play locally in up to 4-player multiplayer in 1080p while playing in TV Mode. Every track from the Wii U version, including DLC, makes a glorious return. Plus, the Inklings appear as all-new guest characters, along with returning favorites, such as King Boo, Dry Bones, and Bowser Jr.! Get it at the Essa Public Library
Pokémon Sword
Become a Pokémon Trainer, embark on a new journey in the new Galar region, and unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta! Explore the Wild Area, a vast expanse of land where the player can freely control the camera. And participate in Max Raid Battles* in which players will face off against gigantic and super-strong Pokémon known as Dynamax Pokémon. Begin your adventure by choosing one of three new partner Pokémon: Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble and encounter new and familiar Pokémon as you catch, battle, and trade. Get it at the Essa Public Library
Super Mario Odyssey
Explore incredible places far from the Mushroom Kingdom as you join Mario and his new ally Cappy on a massive, globe-trotting 3D adventure. Mario’s got new moves that’ll make you rethink his traditional run-and-jump gameplay—like cap jump, cap throw, and capture. Use captured cohorts such as enemies, objects, and animals to progress through the game and uncover loads of hidden collectibles. And if you feel like playing with a friend, just pass them a Joy-Con™ controller! Player 1 controls Mario while Player 2 controls Cappy. This sandbox-style 3D Mario adventure—the first since 1996’s beloved Super Mario 64™ and 2002’s Nintendo GameCube™ classic Super Mario Sunshine™—is packed with secrets and surprises, plus exciting new kingdoms to explore. Get it at the Essa Public Library
As you can see, your library just got that much more awesome! Always growing. Reserve your copies today and we'll see you soon!
—Victoria Murgante
About the Author
Comments