Digital Storytelling Project on Library Anxiety

Abstract

The Digital Storytelling Project on Library Anxiety began as a project in a service learning course offered by the Film and Media Studies Department at the University of Kansas (KU). In spring 2015, three undergraduate students enrolled in the course collaborated with KU Libraries to create an interactive, digital game addressing experiences of library anxiety among undergraduate students that could be integrated into first-year-experience courses offered by the university. The original student team created the game’s branching pathways within Twine, wrote the game text, and drafted a small number of animated GIFs that established the tone for the game. In spring 2016, after receiving funding to support production of the game’s missing elements, KU Libraries contracted one of the student team members to create the remaining illustrations and ensure their integration into the Twine file. Type-specific handouts were created to supplement the game, which was integrated into KU’s University 101 courses beginning in fall 2016. Additional authorship information is located in the Read Me.The Digital Storytelling Project on Library Anxiety is a student-designed, interactive game intended to introduce first-year students to KU Libraries’ resources and services. It adopts a fun yet informative tone to lower library anxiety among incoming freshmen and illustrate the benefits of library use.The project was funded by KU Libraries' Center for Undergraduate Initiatives & Engagement and the Libraries Research Fund