Understanding Gamification (Library Technology Reports)

Library Technology Reports v.51 no.2 Gamification, which refers to applying gaming elements to a real-world activity, is not necessarily a new idea. But (1) the rapid adoption of the smartphone, (2) the tremendous growth of the mobile web, and (3) the increased use of social media have made it possible for gamification to be implemented in an unprecedentedly seamless, ubiquitous, and social manner, thereby transforming it into a portable activity interwoven with reality. This report explains the concept of gamification and how it differs from related concepts such as games, playful design, and toys; distinguishes game mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics from one another; describes a number of gamification examples and projects in businesses, education from K-12 to higher education, and public and academic libraries; and discusses what they do, how they work, and how successful they are. This report also addresses a number of issues and variables that need to be taken into consideration when designing successful gamification for educational purposes, including the undermining effect of gamification's external rewards on intrinsic motivation.

Bohyun Kim is associate director for Library Applications and Knowledge Systems at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Health Sciences and Human Services Library. She is the author of The Library Mobile Experience: Practices and User Expectations, a previous issue of Library Technology Reports, and editor of the ACRL TechConnect blog.