Most print recent books about computer and video games and related topics such as computer programming languages, computer graphics, and software development are located in the Main Library. Many of the titles on these topics are now e-books. Print and e-books may be located by using the MSU Libraries' online catalog or by clicking on the Books & Media tab below the search box. The catalog may be searched by author, title, subject, or keyword. Use the author or title search to see if the Libraries owns a particular item. Use the keyword searches or subject searches to locate resources about a topics. A subject search can give the most precise results but if you are not familiar with a subject area you may not know what subject headings to use in search to give you the best results. One strategy is to do a keyword search using the words you are familiar with and then look at the information for each item to see what subject heading(s) are used for the books that you find the most useful. You can then do a new search using the subject heading(s) you found. One problem with using subject headings to search for materials on a current topic is the time lag between the development of official subject headings like the ones below and the language used in the field. For example there is no subject heading for "serious games" but if you do a keyword search using the phrases "serious games" or "serious gaming" you will find materials on the topic.
Some useful subject headings for locating books about computer game design and development are Computer games, Computer games--Design, Computer games--Programming, Computer games--Social aspects, Internet games, Internet games--Design, Internet games--economic aspects, Internet games--Social aspects, Internet games industry, Video Games, Video games--Design, and Video games--Social Aspects
You can also use keyword and subject searches to locate material on related topics such as computer programming, computer graphics, and the video game industry.
It is also possible to use subject searching to locate types of computer games such as Battles--Computer games and Role playing -- Computer games.
SpringerLink is the platform for European based publisher Springer. It provides online access to reference works and other e-books, in addition to their journals in the scientific, technical, and medical fields.
Synthesis Digital Library of Engineering and Computer Science
SYNTHESIS is an innovative information service for the research, development and educational communities in engineering and computer science. It combines authoritative content with advanced digital delivery to create a product that is substantially more useful than traditional print and digital publications.