Scavenging for evidence: A systematic review of scavenger hunts in academic libraries

Abstract

IntroductionScavenger Hunts have longstanding popularity as an outreach and instruction learning tool in academic libraries. This systematic review examines the implementation and assessment of scavenger hunts in academic library settings to determine trends in implementation and effectiveness. MethodsA systematic literature search in multiple databases was performed to identify studies that assessed academic library scavenger hunts. Results that did not include some physical aspect of a scavenger hunt in a library building, and results that lacked some form of assessment of the scavenger hunt were excluded. ResultsThirteen case studies utilizing various forms of formal and informal assessment were included. Only four articles explicitly stated the population involved in the assessment, and one article provided a decisive timeframe for the scavenger hunt. The most commonly stated desired outcome was for students to have fun and/or be engaged. Assessment tools reported in the included articles were rarely reviewed or tested for validity. DiscussionThe available literature on scavenger hunts in academic libraries does not provide enough evidence to make an evidence-based decision on utilizing this modality. Recording participant demographic data, and focus on assessing the scavenger hunt as an effective tool are suggestions for improving future library-based scavenger hunts.