No Budget, No Experience, No Problem: Creating a Library Orientation Game for Freshman Engineering Majors

Abstract

“Mystery at the Library” is a simple, inexpensive game developed as a library orientation activity for freshman engineering students. Players searched the library building and online to find clues and solve the mystery of a stolen book. Feedback from players and library desk staff was used to improve the game over time. A straightforward narrative with puzzles focused on learning objectives kept players engaged and avoided unnecessary confusion. A post-game survey indicated that the game was both helpful and fun for a majority of respondents.