Scout: Explore, Create, Share
Pierce County Library System, Wash.
Innovation Synopsis
PCLS created a virtual interactive learning platform to explore, create and share while delivering literary and information resources in a game with badges and incentives. Targeting the digital customer, the Scout platform provided new and self-directed ways for participants to use the library and participate in an online community.
Challenge/Opportunity
Pierce County Library's Virtual Services Team developed a new digital customer service, now known as Scout, as a fun and rewarding library experience that can be adapted and expanded to fit any number of diverse target audiences. The platform uses social media and gaming techniques that encourage users to learn about the library. Scout, the first application of the platform, consists of online activities in incentivized gaming environments that relate to the users’ Family life (things they can do with their children), their Reading life (things they enjoy reading), their Active life (things to get them off the couch) and their Social life by providing opportunities to participate in an online community of readers and learners.
Key Elements of Innovation
A key element of the project is the adaptability of the virtual interactive platform, adapting and expanding social media and gaming techniques to target a number of diverse target audiences and experiences. It is multifunctional and can be used for teaching students STEM concepts or helping staff learn to use new technologies. Critical steps included conducting focus groups to gauge reactions to the online game concept and user experience testing prior to implementation of the game.
Achieved Outcomes
Scout was introduced June 1, 2014 to the public after a six-month trial priod for staff and beta testers. As the project unfolded, nearly 2,000 players were engaged in earning 69 badges, ranging from library and literary topics to Do-It-Yourself, Food and Local Attractions. Participants completed a total of 26,282 activities, earning 175,459 points and 3,728 badges. The Library issued 1,183 Scout-related library cards. In addition, Facebook “likes” have increased from 3,026 in 2014 to 17,811 since the implementation of Scout. Scout helped the library build a larger online community by encouraging posts about the project and driving Scout participants to Facebook. Novelist visits jumped from 2,775,516 in 2013 to 4,639,693 to 2014, a 67% increase. Scout targeted this resource and helped heighten interest among a specific group of readers.