Getting a clue: creating student detectives and dragon slayers in your library

Anna-Lise Smith, Utah Valley University
Lesli Baker, Utah Valley University

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how Utah Valley University Library staff created two games to orient students to the library and library services.

Design/methodology/approach – Library staff developed and marketed the Get a Clue game, which used clues placed throughout the building at the beginning of the Fall semester to orient new students as they solved a mystery. During the Spring semester, the library staff introduced library services through LibraryCraft, an online game where students used library resources to slay a dragon.

Findings – In post-game surveys, students found the games entertaining and informative. The results show students saw the orientations as a good use of their time and their comfort levels with library services increased.

Practical implications – As a means of engaging and informing students, games offer a new means of orienting students to the library and library services. The self-paced game approach allows students to learn valuable information with minimal impact on staff.

Originality/value – This paper offers practical information about using games as an academic library orientation. Assessment data support the effectiveness of games as an effective, asynchronous method of introducing students to a library facility and services. This information can be used by other libraries to create their own self-paced orientation games.