LibraryCraft was created to convey communities together across Western Australia (WA) in a safe, structured and moderated way so that players might stretch their creativity and imagination. LibraryCraft makes use of the options of Minecraft that stretch users’ innovation and creative thinking, develops their STEAM expertise and builds social and life abilities similar to collaboration, negotiation, financial management and civic engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
In late 2019, the Fremantle Library launched a small, native Minecraft server for the local people of younger folks. After several months of testing and upgrades, LibraryCraft was made available to all gamers aged 7-17 throughout WA, and WA native governments have been invited to take part.
Findings
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a cancellation of Fremantle Library in-particular person programmes; LibraryCraft, as a purely on-line programme, was scaled up, and in a number of weeks, had more than tripled its player base. On the time of writing, LibraryCraft brings collectively 20 WA local councils, reaches over 100 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 commonly working collaboratively on challenges and exploration.
Originality/value
Whereas Minecraft servers operated by libraries are far from new, LibraryCraft is unique. No groups of libraries have run Minecraft servers collaboratively in Australia before, and none is accessible state wide. The programme is very valued with households in WA, offering a secure social outlet for gamers stuck at house in isolation.