LibraryCraft was created to bring communities together across Western Australia (WA) in a protected, structured and moderated means so that gamers could stretch their creativity and imagination. LibraryCraft makes use of the options of Minecraft that stretch users’ innovation and artistic thinking, develops their STEAM skills and builds social and life expertise comparable to 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 individuals. After Top top blog of months of testing and upgrades, LibraryCraft was made out there to all players aged 7-17 throughout WA, and WA native governments have been invited to take part.
Findings
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a cancellation of Fremantle Library in-individual programmes; LibraryCraft, as a purely online programme, was scaled up, and in just a few weeks, had more than tripled its player base. On the time of writing, LibraryCraft brings collectively 20 WA native councils, reaches over 100 players from Derby-West Kimberley to Albany and sees a whole lot of play hours logged every week. Gamers have created new friendships throughout the state and are usually working collaboratively on challenges and exploration.
Originality/value
While Minecraft servers operated by libraries are removed from new, LibraryCraft is unique. No teams of libraries have run Minecraft servers collaboratively in Australia earlier than, and none is accessible state wide. The programme is extremely valued with families in WA, offering a secure social outlet for players caught at dwelling in isolation.