Purpose
This paper aims to describe a successful outreach to transfer students through an interactive information literacy game. While the main purpose of the game is to introduce students to research and university library resources, it also allows for an analysis of incoming students’ information literacy skills.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study outlines the evolution of the game from a test-like tutorial administered through the Blackboard course management system to an interactive game in two iterations, describing the game in relation to game design and best practices and discussing how the artwork for the game was created. An analysis of data from student answers to the game questions over time shows what librarians have learned about the information literacy skills of incoming transfer students. Finally, student feedback about the game collected through a survey is presented along with ideas for future modifications.
Findings
This paper provides insights into the design and creation process of an interactive information literacy game and a model for how similar games can help librarians assess students’ information literacy skills.
Practical implications
Transfer students are hard to reach as a group at many institutions. An interactive game targeted to transfers during the admissions process is a potentially effective way to reach out to them.
Originality/value
This paper brings together two important issues in the library literature: how to reach out to transfer students and educational library games. Librarians involved with these issues will benefit from the paper’s insights and practical advice.
The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) academy is professional development for faculty focused on exploring and implementing the UDL framework with input from other faculty participants, and the academy instructor. The academy occurs over five, half-days (four hours each) in an in-person environment. The main learning outcome of the academy was to teach faculty about UDL and help them implement UDL in one or more courses. The academy includes inclusive design activities, UDL implementation worksheets, and technology-rich presentations. Faculty participants completed the activities and worksheets that led to self-reflection and implementation of UDL in one or more courses.
During the 2019 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference, a large proportion of programs were about virtual reality. This article discusses how virtual reality could be used in libraries and how some institutions are creating VR content.
Librarians are beginning to offer virtual reality (VR) services in libraries. This chapter reviews how libraries are currently using virtual reality for both consumption and creation purposes. Virtual reality tools will be compared and contrasted, and recommendations will be given for purchasing and circulating headsets and VR equipment. Google Tour Creator and a smartphone or 360-degree camera can be used to create a virtual tour of the library and other virtual reality content. These new library services will be discussed along with practical advice and best practices for incorporating virtual reality into the library for instructional and entertainment purposes.
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