Creating Analog and Digital Games for Reference Training Overview and Examples

To provide effective service at the reference desk, proper training for those staffing the desk is essential. Those responsible for reference training know that developing trainings that are both effective and engaging can be a challenge. In this column, Sam Kirk discusses the benefits of gamification in trainings. She describes how the University of Pennsylvania Libraries have used low-cost strategies to gamify their reference training for library interns. She shares examples of different types of games that can be used to scaffold learning for interns, culminating in a final, comprehensive game.-Editor