Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Work at the CVGA for the Spring/Summer Semester!

Looking to pick up a few extra work hours during the Spring and Summer? Take a look at our student job opening below.

Computer & Video Game Archive Assistant

Employer: Art, Architecture & Engineering Library

Job Description: Work at the Computer & Video Game Archive desk to circulate games, answer questions, and enforce archive policies.  Test donated games and equipment, help install software/hardware, help restore older game systems, etc.  Assist in running archive-related special events and tournaments. Contribute to the archive blog and Twitter account.

Educational value of this job: Gain experience working in an academic library, and gain knowledge of the inner workings of a library special collection. Gain experience restoring newer & older computers/consoles. Increase your knowledge of the video game and media industry.

Desired: At least 3 of the following:
  • Previous customer service experience.
  • Previous experience working in a library or archive setting.
  • Knowledge of and experience playing a large number of old & new video games.
  • Knowledge of and experience using software related to PC games (Steam, DOSBox, etc.) 
  • Experience building/repairing PC computers and/or video game consoles. 
  • Experience designing posters and informative displays. 
  • Experience giving tours or coordinating special events.
Number of Available Openings: 1
Hours:  10.0 to 12.0 hours per week during Spring/Summer term
Compensation: $9.00/hour, $0.25 raise after 300 & 600 hours worked
Time Frame:   Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer
Contact Person: Valerie Waldron
Email Address: vwaldron@umich.edu
Work Location: Computer & Video Game Archive, Art, Architecture & Engineering Library, Duderstadt Center.


To apply:
Send your resume, work availability for the Spring/Summer semester, and answers to the questions below to vwaldron@umich.edu. Please send the times you are available weekly, NOT a copy of your class schedule.

Supplemental Questions

  1. Other than an enthusiasm for video/computer games, what interests you in the position?
  2. This position involves a lot of self-initiated projects. Keeping in mind that our main mission is to preserve and give people access to computer and video games for the purpose of academic study, what types of projects would you most like to work on during your employment here? Feel free to use this job posting, our blog, your knowledge of past CVGA events, etc. for inspiration.
  3. Please note any experience you have through previous jobs, class projects, personal hobbies, etc. involving the following skills: Building/repairing computers or game consoles (especially older ones), or installing/troubleshooting game software.
  4. Please note any experience you have through previous jobs, class projects, personal hobbies, etc. involving the following skills: Designing posters/displays, giving tours, or contributing professional-level content to blogs and other social media sources.
  5. How many semesters would you anticipate working at the CVGA? Please give an estimated end date if possible.
  6. Are you planning to be available to work during the Fall 2014 semester? If so, please note approximately how many hours you would like to work.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Top Games Played During Winter Semester

Here is our list of games most-played in the archive over the course of the semester. Our soccer games were the clear winners, with a few old favorites making the list as well. FIFA 14 had over twice as many checkouts as anything else on the list.

1. FIFA Soccer 14 (Xbox 360)
2. FIFA Soccer 13 (Xbox 360)
3. Halo 4 (Xbox 360)
4. InFamous: Second Son (PlayStation 4)
5. Madden NFL 25 (Xbox 360)
6. Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)
7. Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox 360)
8. Mariokart Wii
9. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Xbox 360)
10. PES 2012 (PlayStation 3)

And our most popular games during just the month of April:

1. FIFA Soccer 14 (Xbox 360)
2. Titanfall (Xbox One)
3. Mariokart Wii
4. (tie) InFamous: Second Son (PlayStation 4)
4. (tie) FIFA Soccer 13 (Xbox 360)
6. (tie) Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Xbox 360)
6. (tie) Halo 4 (Xbox 360)
8. PES 2012 (PlayStation 3)
9. (tie) Madden NFL 25 (Xbox 360)
9. (tie) NCAA Football 14 (Xbox 360)

The Spring and Summer semesters always bring some old classics onto the list, so we'll see what the favorites will be this year.