Building the Deck

University librarians and staff drew upon previous experience with game-based learning to develop an orientation activity for transfer students. A card game was selected due to the large number of students expected and lack of computers in the available space. Apples to Apples-style cards were created using a free online card generator. Multiple decks were printed to accommodate up to 150 players. The game exposed transfer students to information about the campus library system in a low-key way that allowed players with different knowledge levels to socialize and compete against one another on an equal basis.