Librarians Busted for Playing 'Rock Band' on the Job
In an attempt to attract youngsters, employees of one Nebraska public library recently instituted a gaming workshop, until, that is, constroversy paralyzed the effort.
One local taxpayer caught wind of the Omaha librarians' unorthodox event via the above video, which shows the librarians playing the game 'Rock Band' in what appears to be the library's study room. The librarians had posted the video in hopes of promoting the workshops. Apparently outraged, the whistleblower put a call in to Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley's office. In no time, Foley had launched an investigation.
"It was state employees, on state time, during work hours, playing with and setting up a PlayStation video game system," Foley told Omaha's Action 3 News. We wouldn't imagine he thinks that's a good thing.
Top Video Game Champs
Trevor Seguin and Scott Kessler - 'Super Mario Bros.' (NES)
After a heated competition lasting no less than three years, Trevor Seguin -- in early 2007 -- finally tied Scott Kessler's 'Super Mario Bros.' record by beating the game in 5 minutes and 8 seconds.
Icarus Hall - 'Donkey Kong, Jr.'
Leaving legendary combatants Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell in a wake of banana peels, Icarus Hall of Port Angeles, Washington scored 1,033,000 points in 'Donkey Kong, Jr.' in August of 2008.
Scott Safran - 'Asteroids' (arcade)
The 41,336,440 point game of 'Asteroids' that made New Jersey teenager Scott Safran a champion back in 1982 has stood ever since.
Billy Mitchell - 'Donkey Kong' (arcade)
Twenty-five years after setting the 'Donkey Kong' world record, Floridian and video game bad-boy Billy Mitchell regained the crown in 2007 with the remarkable score of 1,050,200 points.
Billy Mitchell - 'Pac-Man' (arcade)
Intent on expanding his 'Donkey Kong' domination to other realms, Billy Mitchell achieved the first perfect 'Pac-Man' score on the 4th of July, 1999. What is a perfect 'Pac-Man' score? It's 3,333,360 points, of course.
Rodrigo Lopes - 'Legend of Zelda' (NES)
Brazilian gamer Rodrigo Lopes shocked the Nintendo world with his 31 minute, 37 second romp through 'Legend of Zelda' in 2006.
Scott Kessler - 'Super Ghouls N Ghosts' (SNES)
Adding yet another game to his trophy rack, Scott Kessler defeated 'Super Ghouls N Ghosts' in a mere 45 minutes, 41 seconds back in 2005.
Michael Damiani - 'Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time' (N64)
In 2005, Michael Damiani completed 'Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time' in the remarkably short period of 5 hours, 40 seconds.
Andrew Gardikis - 'Super Mario World' (SNES)
In late 2007, Andrew Gardikis defeated Adam Sweeney's record of three year's standing by taking down 'Super Mario World' in 11 minutes and 1 second.
Harry Hong - 'Tetris' (NES)
Irvine, California's Harry Hong achieved the Tetris world record with a score of 492,994 back in 2005.
Related Links:
_thumbnail.jpg "Vintage Keyboards")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tasneem Watts said 9:02PM on 2-27-2009
I'm a public librarian working with teens, both in school and in juvenile detention sites. It is a common practice to have gaming events in libraries, and a smart presenter will try the equipment before the event. Even Nebraska teens need a place to "hang out," and these days, the library is the place to be. Have you ever tried Karaoke? It actually is difficult for many readers...of all ages. Check the ALA web site at www.ala.org before you start a "witch hunt." Take care of your teens: you don't want to be building prisons instead of libraries. And in a few short years, they may not vote for YOU.
Reply
David said 6:28AM on 3-02-2009
Great play action. Should be required viewing for ages nine and older, teachers not exempt. Good job!! State investigation waste pf taxpay $$. Get with it
Dan in Fort Lauderdale said 7:31AM on 3-02-2009
The knuckleheads complaining about this are probably incapable of setting the clock on their coffeemaker, let alone programing a DVD player. ("any kid could do this...hurry go find me a kid!")
Anything that gets a kid through the doors of a library is a good thing and the complainant has WAAAY too much time on his/her hands.
Reply
KG said 7:53AM on 3-02-2009
Oh yeah, great use of taxpayer money, especially when money is this friggin tight. But even when times are good, this is still just a waste of money. If kids don't wanna learn to read well.............McDonalds seems to be continually hiring or you can work at the bus station picking fleas off of the Greyhounds.
No one did anything for me to get me to read other than give me an assignment to do and a great grade if I did it right and a failing grade if I did not. No candy, no extra time on the playground, no awards, NOTHING.
People need to learn how to build a WORK ETHIC for gosh sakes!
Reply
cocho said 5:06PM on 3-05-2009
Why don't we start canceling story-times and movie screenings in libraries to. I've seen librarians "reading" children's books and "previewing" films, calling it "library work". I mean, what's the big idea? We should also do away with those literacy programs for adults, too. I mean, if adults can't read already, why should WE be the ones to pay?! And don't get me started on those parks and recreation people that I see "organizing" activities for kids and "preparing" for youth activities for after school and summer events. What a waste! That money could be used to build another gas station, or better yet a new Wal-Mart or Starbucks to put more money into the local economy. Or even better still, that money could've been put to use in the war on terror.
not really!!!!
cissy said 8:49AM on 3-02-2009
Whatever happened to personal responsibility?? And parental discipline?? Teens (and most adults anymore) are so narcissistic!
In my day not only did the world NOT revolve are what a bunch of lazy kids wanted....we were actually made to suffer the consequences for our stupid rebellion! I just love going out to the mall or the store....full of self-absorbed punks and brats who actually believe they are soooooo coooollllll, when they are so ignorant it is almost unbelievable, were it not so sad. I especially like the ones who talk so loud and obnoxious...so the hearers will be utterly impressed by them....ugh! GROW UP......YOU WANT RESPECT>>>ACT LIKE A CIVILIZED PERSON, NOT A SELF_CENTERED PUNK! They don't want to go to the library unless they have a video game???? Then let them stay out! They're are actually some teens who go to the library TO LEARN, NOT TO BE ENTERTAINED!!! And the "adults" who masterminded it? You have helped no one...you have further crippled the minds of young people into believing that the garbage you shoveled at them is of any value or importance!! SHAME ON YOU!!!
Reply
wrightsoftexas said 9:11AM on 3-02-2009
I have always believed that it is more important a child know how to read than what he reads. I had a foster son that came to me in 6th grade unable to read anything. I got him interested in reading Boy Scout handbooks and merit badge pamphlets. He finished high school,and today is a proud grandfather who is not only literate,but also computer literate. I am sorry KG had such a hard upbringing, but kids today have no attention span,so they must be motivated another way.
Reply
kevin said 8:51AM on 3-02-2009
I USED to live in Nebraska and this is an example of why I moved away. The official who ordered this investigation is a total conservative redneck, Mike Foley. He was elected because Nebraska is a very conservative, intolerant state and very backwards. If you can get teens to utilize a library what's the problem? Is it any wonder that people are leaving the state in droves to raise children in a tolerant, diverse place and also to escape the sky high taxes which were the 14th highest in the country.
Reply
manpie2000 said 11:55PM on 5-31-2009
While we're at it, we should cancel the computer classes and tax help given at libraries. That surely doesn't have anything to do with reading either...........hope you all caught the sarcasm there! By the way, my 6 year old twins learned to read when they were four with the help of karaoke (also a component of the Rock Band game). I turned on Hannah Montana and Spongebob songs and there they were trying to read along and wanting to learn more. It's not a matter of rewarding, it's a way to get them excited about reading.
Reply
skyboi said 10:38AM on 3-02-2009
Any good, clean natured activity that will keep young people interested in the library system, I applaud. Rock Band, even though it is a game, has spawned new interest in early rock music. Music sales for these bands are up and music stores report increased sales on instruments. However, watching this video was painfull. While I support the librarian's idea, please show young people using the game instead. Lose the background music and play some rock and roll. Young adults have a short attention span. If you want to get them interested, shorten the video to no more than 2 minutes. I'm not interested in watching you set it up or tying your shoes.
Reply
JMo said 9:16AM on 3-02-2009
It's not your Mom's library, people. I work for a county-wide library system and we offer classes and events for our customers of all ages. Sure, we cater to teens so the library is a place they feel comfortable in (and yes, that includes gaming--horrors!), but we also cater to little children, their parents and their grandparents. The library is no longer a hush-hush place only for researchers; the internet has provided access to information that once was only available at libraries. Many libraries, as ours, have become vibrant, friendly environments that have moved away from the intimidating atmosphere of ages past. Our community appreciates and embraces this direction, so even in an unstable economy our library system is well-supported. If libraries don't grow along with their communities and adapt to a changing world they will cease to exist.
Reply
joe-joe said 9:27AM on 3-02-2009
i do not in any way enjoy rock,rap ,etc music.big band is my music.i am a ww ll pacific combat vet and i fought for the rights of the american people--- and that includes listening to any type of music they prefer to listen to and enjoy !!!!!!! i 100% support the the librarians. LET'S INVESTIGATE THE THE NEB.STATE AUDITOR'S OFFICE OF THE POLITICIAN MIKE FOLEY!!!! I WOULD LOVE TO REVIEW HIS TAX PAYER SLOP HOG EXPENSE ACCOUNT !!!!! AND LET'S NOT FORGET TO REVIEW THE TOTAL HOURS THAT HE WORKS EACH WEEK.PO POO ON THIS HOLIER THAN THOU MIKE FOLEY !!!
Reply
bcunninghamo said 9:35AM on 3-02-2009
What is a waste of librarian time there? All four were learing to use the game there is no date there or time to show if on own time or not. I can just imagine that when the studant comes in and ask those librarian how to use the thing that each one will be able to answer. Or would you just like them to tell you that "I dunno, go figure it out for yourself." The game itself teaches how to keep a beat. I will admit it may not teach how to play a musical instrument except for the drums part. What is wrong with that? Not everybody can afford to buy that setup. Or maybe it is a great way to try it out. I would certainly like to have something like that in my own library. It would help me make up my mind if I would wnat to get one.
Reply