On The Time Of Writing

LibraryCraft was created to bring communities collectively throughout Western Australia (WA) in a safe, structured and moderated approach in order that gamers may stretch their creativity and imagination. LibraryCraft makes use of the features of Minecraft that stretch users’ innovation and creative considering, develops their STEAM expertise and builds social and life skills resembling collaboration, negotiation, financial management and civic engagement.

Design/methodology/method

In late 2019, the Fremantle Library launched a small, local Minecraft server for the local community of younger folks. After several months of testing and upgrades, LibraryCraft was made available to all players aged 7-17 across WA, and WA local governments have been invited to participate.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a cancellation of Fremantle Library in-individual programmes; LibraryCraft, as a purely on-line programme, was scaled up, and in just a few weeks, had more than tripled its participant base. At the time of writing, LibraryCraft brings together 20 WA local councils, reaches over 100 gamers from Derby-West Kimberley to Albany and sees a whole lot of play hours logged each week. Players have created new friendships across the state and are often working collaboratively on challenges and exploration.

Originality/value

Whereas Minecraft servers operated by libraries are removed from new, LibraryCraft is exclusive. No groups of libraries have run Minecraft servers collaboratively in Australia earlier than, and none is accessible state large. SPARTA The programme is extremely valued with families in WA, offering a protected social outlet for gamers caught at residence in isolation.

SPARTA