Promoting Horror in the Library

 There are a myriad of new interesting ways that horror is being crafted in the digital space and the realm of the internet. Of course there are viral sensations like Five Nights at Freddy's stemming from video games, but there are also ARGs (alternate reality games) that can span across all manner of platforms like social media and Youtube in text and video form, hidden text in coding files, copypastas, video edits, all kinds of things creative people across the world are taking advantage of. I think the library has an opportunity to promote horror reading by embracing these things. Collaboration with the digital media department in teaching video editing skills, coding, or having viewing parties or discussion groups about multimedia indie horror projects I think can really drum up interest in horror at the library location. From here, librarian's can make reading suggestions to those attending based on the genres and references that the projects are taking. We would be giving those people the knowledge and inspiration that they could then take to start making their own horror projects.

Comments

  1. AnnalieseFebruary 18, 2024 at 9:23 PM

    Oh, I love this!! I have only read a few bits and pieces about ARGs, but they sound very interesting. I think that drawing in interested patrons with programs related to ARGs and indie horror media, then introducing them to other areas of horror within the library's collection for inspiration in making their own ARGs/indie projects and to better understand existing ARGs and indie projects is SO cool! I think this is a worthwhile endeavor.

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  2. SarahFebruary 19, 2024 at 1:49 PM

    I find it appropriate that the term "rabbit hole" is used to describe how people enter an alternate reality game, because I am now in a giant rabbit hole of learning about them. This could be a great way to bridge the gap between my library's existing coding club for tweens and a similar coding program for teens.

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  3. Erin CataldiFebruary 20, 2024 at 7:58 AM

    I love this idea! It's off the wall - in the best way and super unique!

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