Gaming supplies more than just visual stimulation and empty entertainment; it can also promote socialization as well as the learning of both traditional and new literacies required to succeed in the modern world. Problem-solving, multi-tasking, complex decision-making on the fly, and "reading" the combination of words and graphics are vital skills for the 21st century--all of which are required to play video games.

"Crash Course in Gaming" discusses the pros and cons of gaming, the types of games and game systems, circulating collections, and game programs. It explains how a library's...