Library Futures Presents… Imagine IF
Imagine you’re working the front desk of your library and a patron approaches holding a stack of books. You see a title on the top of the American Library Association’s Most Challenged Books list. On the patron’s t-shirt, you spy the logo of an organization that has made news across the state for getting books banned from public libraries. You know what’s coming… but what do you do?
Imagine if you could prepare for this challenging moment.
Imagine if you could do so by playing a game.
Imagine if you could go on that adventure from the comfort of your own computer.
Now you can!
Library Futures is proud to announce the release of Imagine IF: The Game. This choose-your-own-adventure experience supports librarians facing intellectual freedom challenges through scenario-based gameplay. Play the role of librarian as you interact with patrons and staff in our virtual libraries where toads can talk, the birds have gone viral, and all the librarians are cats (duh!).
Based on ALA President Sam Helmick’s conference presentation “Intellectual Freedom: Choose Your Own Adventure” and featuring artwork by Kenny Keil, Imagine IF encourages players to “choose chaos” as they navigate two scenarios–The Dilemma of the Disapproving Dino Doctor and The Farce of the First Amendment Audit Influencer. Rather than selecting “correct” answers, players are encouraged to explore a range of interactions, from truly chaotic choices to rational approaches.
Despite the lighthearted and humorous approach of Imagine IF, the fight to protect intellectual freedom in library spaces is dire, and the need for librarians to know their rights is of critical importance. Incorporating core principles from the Library Bill of Rights and guidance from library workers, Imagine IF offers tips and strategies for managing censorship today. Challenges to intellectual freedom often play out via confrontations with patrons in library spaces, and it is important for library workers to be prepared to face and de-escalate these challenges.
As an open educational resource (OER), Imagine IF is free to use and remix. We hope you’ll give Imagine IF a try–best of luck on your adventure!
