Game: Mash up

Looking for connections is fundamental to what we do in libraries: we connect questions to answers, patrons to resources, information literacy to the curriculum, ideas to other ideas, disciplines to other disciplines.... Sometimes unlikely connections can result is something new and wonderful. This game helps us practice making connections that aren't obvious, and expands our creative thinking that can help with planning.

How to play:

• Groups of 3-4
• Each group member names a favorite thing. This can be wide open, or you can give it parameters, such as a favorite activity or food. 
• The group then selects at least 2 things names and mashes them into a new library service, event or product.
• Each group prepares a one-minute presentation selling the director, the board or the public on the new idea. 

Variations

• Have each group member name a problem as well as a thing. The mashup has to solve the problem.

Game: New Choice

Reference work requires the ability to change course or strategy on the spot. We are constantly responding to questions and situations that are unique and therefore impossible to prepare for. When one approach doesn't pan out, we need to be able to try something different. 

Teaching always involves an element of improv. But library teaching often has an extra dose, because librarians often teach at the request of another instructor, but have little to no control over student preparation, class culture, research topics, etc. When a librarian plans a lesson based on the premise that students will have identified research topics, but the students show up without yet having thought about research topics, the librarian has to change course. This is a game that hones .

Planning involves creative thinking in exploring new possibilities, stretching ourselves beyond the obvious choices, and considering alternatives.

New choice helps hone librarian's ability to change course on a dime and move beyond the obvious.

 How to play

• Three players.

• Two players are given a situation. It doesn't have to be library related, but it can be. They begin acting out a scene. The third player is the caller.  During the scene, the caller can occasionally call out "New choice," requiring the player to back up to the last verbal choice made and try a new one.

• Example
  Scenario: two students meeting in the library. As the scene develops, it appears that one is attracted to the other...
  Player one: Do you have a piece of paper I can borrow?
  Player two: I do, but you'll have to leave collateral
  Caller: New choice!
  Player two: I do, but it has my name and phone number written on it
  [scene continues until the caller calls "New choice" again]

• Variation
  In addition to verbal choices, the caller can ask for new choices in movement or sound effects by calling out "New choice sound effect," or "New choice movement."