LibraryCraft was created to convey communities collectively throughout Western Australia (WA) in a secure, structured and moderated approach in order that gamers may stretch their creativity and imagination. LibraryCraft uses the options of Minecraft that stretch users innovation and creative pondering, develops their STEAM abilities and builds social and life skills resembling collaboration, negotiation, financial administration and civic engagement.
Design/methodology/method
In late 2019, the Fremantle Library launched a small, native Minecraft server for the area people of young people. After several months of testing and upgrades, LibraryCraft was made accessible to all players aged 7-17 across WA, and WA native governments had been invited to participate.
Findings
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a cancellation of Fremantle Library in-person programmes; LibraryCraft, as a purely on-line programme, was scaled up, and in just a few weeks, had more than tripled its player base. On the time of writing, LibraryCraft brings together 20 WA local councils, reaches over one hundred players 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
While Minecraft servers operated by libraries are far from new, LibraryCraft is unique. No teams of libraries have run Minecraft servers collaboratively in Australia before, and none is available state huge.Wicked friseis extremely valued with families in WA, offering a safe social outlet for players caught at dwelling in isolation.
