Nebraska bureaucrat says games and libraries don’t mix

The Nebraska Auditor’s Office is sure that video games are nothing but a waste of time and have no place in a public library.

Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley released a report Tuesday that questioned the validity of the Nebraska Library Commission’s purchase of a Playstation 2, Rock Band and Dance Dance Revolution. The report also criticized the commission for participating in several Internet social sites by posting videos and photographs of commission staff demonstrating how libraries can use video games as a social, learning and attraction tool.

Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley

Library Commission director Rod Wagner tells the Associated Press that the videos were a way to demonstrate how to use YouTube, not how to use the games.

“We’re trying to present to libraries the equipment they could consider purchasing for their own libraries,’’ Wagner said. “They’ve been especially effective in bringing young people into libraries … and then they discover other resources in libraries.’’

Foley disagreed in a press release, “From my experiences as the father of six children, I am well aware that public libraries offer computer game software for loan to library patrons. But, do we really need state employees to use public funds to buy and play with toys and games during work hours to prove the games are popular with children?”

Harrah’s to hold Rock Band competition – Joystiq

Anybody want to throw a team together and go to Council Tucky? If anything else it’s an excuse to drink some beer. I’ve never played Rock Band, but I’ve played Guitar Hero. Details here.

Harrah’s Casinos is inviting gamers to visit its gambling hotspots and spend all their cash on slots show off their Rock Band skills during the free, MTV Games sponsored Total Rock, Total Rewards Rock Band Competition. The seafood buffet, however, will cost extra.

The musical event kicks off in March at 17 Harrah’s casinos in the US and Canada, with weekly Rock Band competitions offering up various prizes. Come April, four regional contests will take place, with the most talented group receiving $10,000 and the opportunity to open for The B-52s in Atlantic City. Registration details and a list of participating casinos can be viewed here.

via Harrah’s Casinos herald in monthlong Rock Band competition – Joystiq.