Collection At The Library (Now with pictures!)

**Gapporin** · 03-20-2007, 05:32 PM

MODS: I wasn't sure where exactly this thread would fit. Feel free to move it to wherever you think is more applicable.

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At my local library, there is a giant glass case in the front where the librarians display whatever is pertinent at the moment (for example, February was Black History Month, so books and pictures of Langston Hughes were displayed, etc.). However, there is also a sign nearby that says that people are also free to display their collections in it as well. This got my gears working.

I've seen other collections in it before (toy trains, toys, etc.), so video games seems to be a no-brainer. However, I would like some input from my fellow countrymen before I rush to grab everything from storage. Here's my main two questions:

1. Should I even display it? I could think of several pros and cons of each aspect. The glass case is pretty thick and locked down, so I don't think that theft/damage would be a problem. And this is, of course, assuming that the library gives the OK on it (I can't see why not). But like I said, I want to hear other people's opinions on it.

2. What should I display? Obviously I can't fit everything I own in it. I'm thinking about some Japanese-centric consoles/games (Famicom Twin, etc.), underlooked/obscure consoles (Master System, Odyssey2, Game And Watch etc.) and at least something from each generation of video gaming. If anybody else has some input, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks for letting me bend your ear for a few moments!

**Technosis** · 03-20-2007, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by Gapporin

MODS: I wasn't sure where exactly this thread would fit. Feel free to move it to wherever you think is more applicable.

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1. Should I even display it? I could think of several pros and cons of each aspect. The glass case is pretty thick and locked down, so I don't think that theft/damage would be a problem. And this is, of course, assuming that the library gives the OK on it (I can't see why not). But like I said, I want to hear other people's opinions on it.)

I think this is an excellent idea. I'm sure it would generate lots of interest. You could even plug a website (hint..hint) as part of it. Also if you included some safe contact info (like an e-mail address or something) and a tasteful suggestion you'd take care of unwanted games, you might get some nice finds as a cool side benefit!

As far as the theft/damage bit goes, wouldn't the library have insurance? I guess it would be best to take a photo of the display (you'd want to anyway show us

) in case of loss. I would imagine that if the display is in a high traffic area visible to staff it would be OK.

**Cornelius** · 03-20-2007, 08:26 PM

I'd be sure not to make everything too obscure or some people won't even know what the heck any of it is. You need a recognizable hook so people will say "I remember that." and then come over for a closer look. Might be cool to have a Famicom next to an NES, with popular titles from each. People always like to see ROB. Some sort of generational theme might be cool. I think having each of the main US Sega consoles lined up would be pretty cool. Maybe with the release date for each. I personally wouldn't bother with anything valuable (other than the consoles themselves) since almost no one that sees it would know a valuable game from a SMB/Duck Hunt.

Definitely leave a card or something so you can maybe get a score out of it. Wouldn't be worth all the hassle to me otherwise, but I don't even display my collection at home. I like to see other people's stuff, though, so post a pic!

**DefaultGen** · 03-20-2007, 09:33 PM

You could put a gold NWC or Radiant Silvergun and people would be like "thats nice." But put Duck Hunt and Super Mario 3 in the case and they'd say "OMG THOSE GAMES OWNED."

**DeputyMoniker** · 03-20-2007, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by Cornelius

I'd be sure not to make everything too obscure or some people won't even know what the heck any of it is.

Agreed.
Front & center: NES, ROB, Neo Geo AES, SMS, Pong, INTV, 2600, Mattel Handheld Football, Gameboy...
IMO those are the systems that will grab the attention of anybody who would be interested, regardless of age.

Sides & back: The "not so mainstream" items. Consolized MVS (if you have one), TG-16, DC, Famicom, etc.

**Darren870** · 03-20-2007, 09:49 PM

Not worth the risk...

**Kitsune Sniper** · 03-20-2007, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by DeputyMoniker

Neo Geo AES

Uh. I thought most of America didn't even have a clue what a NeoGeo is. Or was...

**cyberfluxor** · 03-20-2007, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Kitsune Sniper

Uh. I thought most of America didn't even have a clue what a NeoGeo is. Or was...

Nor do they now.

I walked into a Game Stop the other month and they tried to sell me a PS3 and I told them I'd prefer to drop the hundreds of dollars on a Neo-Geo AES. Their response was when the console was being released because they had never heard of it!

Even today I can walk into a game store with my NGPC and no one has a clue (except maybe 1 person, which is usually the store owner) and then it's up to me to edumacate some people.

**Gapporin** · 03-22-2007, 08:04 PM

Well, I talked to the head librarian today about displaying my collection. Good news and bad news:

Good news: It's been given the OK for a display case in the front of the library.

Bad news: The next empty spot is for the month of August.

That's OK, though, and I'm still going ahead with the plan. If anything, this'll give me more time to prepare exactly what I want to show, and also allow me to make signs, displays, and other written miscellany.

Originally Posted by Cornelius

I'd be sure not to make everything too obscure or some people won't even know what the heck any of it is. You need a recognizable hook so people will say "I remember that." and then come over for a closer look. Might be cool to have a Famicom next to an NES, with popular titles from each...Some sort of generational theme might be cool...Maybe with the release date for each.

My idea is to have some lesser-known consoles in the mix, but along with some better-known ones as well. I was thinking of planning it thusly: For one generation, there would be an NES with some games, but also a Master System next to it. Something along the lines of, "You surely remember this, but how many remember this (even though they are from the same era)?". In short: I would display consoles that people are most familiar with, but also introduce them to new ones. If I had more Japanese consoles, I would set them next to their American counterparts, but as of now I only have a Famicom Twin.

For your second point, a generational theme is pretty cool, and my design would be centered around that type of theme.

For your third point, I was thinking of constructing signs that would display the release date, the most popular games, and any other bits of trivia for each console.

Thanks for your input, guys!

**Technosis** · 03-22-2007, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by Gapporin

Bad news: The next empty spot is for the month of August.

Hey it will give you plenty of time to think of options! You know, stay in touch with the library...There's a good chance that someone cancels and you can get their spot.

Whatever the case please post some pics after to encourage other great ideas like this!

**kaedesdisciple** · 03-23-2007, 01:57 PM

Just an idea to throw at the wall:

Why not have a generational "console war" theme? See if you can make up like a little wrestling or boxing ring. Then put the opposing consoles in their respective corners or something. Break them up into things like the 8-bit division or the 16-bit division. Have fun with it. That might catch the eye a little more than just putting a bunch of machines in a window.

**Mattiekrome** · 03-23-2007, 11:56 PM

I know its a slim shot, but make sure that there isn't any sunlight that hits the display case. It would suck to put some collectible stuff in there, and then have it get faded because of the sun. It would look like all those DDR + Taiko boxes down at our local game crazy... Hell, you can barely tell what they are. Killer idea tho, make sure to post some pics when its all said and done.

**Gapporin** · 03-24-2007, 12:04 AM

@kaedesdisciple: Sounds fun, but with the space given, it would be hard to implement. The case is taller than it is wide, so the ring per se would have to standing up. Then there wouldn't be any space to fit the consoles on each corner, much less finding a way to affix them somewhere. Still, it's a pretty neat idea.

@Mattiekrome: There's no windows nearby, and the doors are tinted glass, so I don't think sunlight will be a problem. Thanks for the tip, though!

**wrldstrman** · 03-24-2007, 03:05 AM

I would try to put a little sign in it mentioning you would be interested in buying older games..I hung signs in a bunch of super markets, post offices etc and got a lot of calls

**fergojisan** · 03-25-2007, 08:18 AM

I think it would be pretty cool to walk into my library and see a classic game display. Just don't put anything in there that would be too hard or expensive to replace. I guess that's obvious though.

**Gradius** · 03-25-2007, 09:52 AM

I think it would be great to see a display like that! Just make sure that you put in some well known but popular games (like Super Mario Bros. or something along those lines) so people will get hooked initially and wander over to see, then they can see the rest of the obscure and rare games/consoles that you want to show off. Also, nothing hurts giving you email address. Never know who will contact you about old games they have!

**Wolf** · 03-25-2007, 11:57 AM

I find that a bit of a shock and interesting that alot of americans would not have known what the neo geo is, new gamers or younger gamers I can understand, especialy if they have not used the net and looked up some vg history.

I remember when I was a kid I got the genesis on NA release, we actually had an EB ( this was a long time ago well before they had lots of chains ) in kingston, the only way I even knew about the store was from vacations over in watertown NY, this was back in the day when the NES was starting to become fairly mainstream or more afordable for most families, anyway this EB store had all sorts of stuff, everything from c64 to tg16 and the neo geo, I clearly remember the radio shack also selling tg16 and neo geo games ( for 299 cdn!!! lol ), I clearly remember looking at the tg16 and another kid there going on about it how cool it was but so expensive cause you needed to buy something else to add onto it.

Hell I remember microplay in the township, this was back before PS2 had an na release and the dude was selling import ps2 games, I remember checking out the jp gradius 3 and 4 pack.

I guess I just find it odd that so many americans did not know about it, you would think with money being better there and alot of spenders, alot more better off people would have owned them back in the day.

**Gapporin** · 07-26-2007, 05:38 PM

5 months later...

So, I got a call from the library telling me that all systems were go for my August collection exhibit. Right now, I'm typing up and printing out "signs" to use for each system that shows the specs (compared to today's computers), popular games, and bits of trivia. The opening date will be August 1st, and yes, pictures will be taken.

**8-bitNesMan** · 07-26-2007, 07:05 PM

Dude that's cool! I might have to ride up from Memphis and take a look at it. Does your library have weekend hours? Kudos for going the extra mile to get more folks interested in our fine hobby!

**cyberfluxor** · 07-26-2007, 10:42 PM

Congrats and best of luck with the showcase. Looking forward to some pics.

**Moo Cow** · 07-26-2007, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by DefaultGen

You could put a gold NWC or Radiant Silvergun and people would be like "thats nice." But put Duck Hunt and Super Mario 3 in the case and they'd say "OMG THOSE GAMES OWNED."

And I'd probably bust into the library after dark and gladly take them.

**Buyatari** · 07-27-2007, 12:09 AM

If you are worried about theft don't put in any NES or SNES or PS1 rpgs. How about a few famicom games + some 2600 and some INTV games. I doubt anyone would steal those (or know what they are).

**skylark** · 07-27-2007, 09:53 AM

I'm a librarian in a public library in downtown Raleigh, and I do similar things with displays. For the past month or so, I've been switching out displays of comics of varying value. No problems with theft or anything, and the public has enjoyed it.

It sounds like you have a good idea as far as what you want to display, but keep in mind that any display will challenge people to make connections, so don't constrain yourself too much to a particular theme. Sometimes people respond better when the connections are left up to them to define.

Anyway, good luck and thanks for doing this. If anyone wants to try something similar in Raleigh, send me a pm.