Libraries with Games - SAIT Reg Erhardt Library: Profile written by Jason Hewitt

Library Type: Academic (Polytechnic/Trade)
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Recently extended loan period from one day to three days on board game material.

The Reg Erhardt Library at SAIT is a pleasant and welcoming place. It is often humming and full of people smiling and actively engaged in groups at the many tables peppered throughout the facility. Though limited in space every square inch seems packed with usefulness and utility. Being a school with an emphasis in trades and trade-based skills the material collected is carefully selected. The collection is meant primarily to supplement course material. Research is not so much a focus as assignments are. Study rooms are bookable and usually full of people conducting busy meetings and the many computers are often heavily populated.

Despite the need for utility, it is a pleasure to see a portion of this space dedicated to fun and fiction, relaxation and games. Here you will find graphic novels, literature, manga, and other items meant to represent something to do that does not involve classwork.

The way the space is allocated at SAIT is important when considering the favourable conditions that lend to the possibility of having a successful board game collection, especially considering the otherwise academic setting. Normally one might presume that such luxuries might be disruptive to others. SAIT is conveniently able to address this issue through the existence of an upper and lower level to their library.

The lower level is designated as a quiet study zone while the upper level happily provides the opportunity for social activity where unfettered conversation is not only welcome but expected. This allows for a perfect situation when it comes to the ruckus a board game can raise and provides for an interesting study when it comes to the argument concerning whether or not the purpose of a library should also include a venue for entertainment.