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Certainly! I had students meet outside the library, where I placed them in their writing groups (which they'll have all semester). I gave them all a scavenger hunt sheet with 'quests' related to resources in our library. They documented they completed quests w/ Instagram pics.
The quests ranged from things specific to @UBLibraries (like, locate the Polish Reading Room) to general skills (find a primary source, find the Chicago Manual of Style, navigate the lib website to find out how to ILL). They were encouraged to ask librarians for help.
My colleague, librarian Mike Kicey, and I stood by circulation to catch groups as they wandered by to help them on quests or answer questions ... and there were a lot of questions. Definitely use a librarian for help on this part! And give the library a heads up on the hunt, too.
Students documented their progress on Instagram using a hashtag for the class. Later, I could just go on Insta and track their pictures using the hashtag without having to give them my handle. This is gimmicky, yes, but also fun.
The whole thing is more meant to teach them (and Mike and I) what they *don't* know as much as what they do. We learned they struggle with call numbers, for instance. The next class, taught by librarian Mike, was about locating library materials.
The goal is teach them how to find sources for their writing projects. But also to get them to think about the library & librarians as resources. Too many don't know they should find & use actual books for research papers & their uncertainty about the lib stops them from trying.
Plus I do it early in the semester, and it's a little silly, so it makes them laugh and sort of sets a nice tone for the class. I think overall it went well, but 🤷♀️
