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Marking the Spot: Geocaching and the Library

Marking the Spot: Geocaching and the Library. May 26, 2011. Agenda. What is geocaching? How might a library use it? How can YOU do it? Considerations for caching What will patrons need? Some Libraries’ experiences More ideas?. What is it? A Treasure Hunt!. Objective:

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Marking the Spot: Geocaching and the Library

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  1. Marking the Spot:Geocaching and the Library May 26, 2011

  2. Agenda • What is geocaching? • How might a library use it? • How can YOU do it? • Considerations for caching • What will patrons need? • Some Libraries’ experiences • More ideas?

  3. What is it? A Treasure Hunt! Objective: Locate hidden containers (caches) Players: Individuals, Families, Teams Equipment: GPS device Adventurous spirit

  4. Types of Geocaching • Traditional • Multi-cache (Offset) • Mystery, or puzzle • Event (and mega-event) • Cache-in, Trash-out • Project A.P.E.

  5. What’s in a cache? • Cache note • Log book and pencil (soft lead) • “treasures”* • Travel Bug* * MAY be in a cache, depending on size

  6. How a library might use it • Informational program about geocaching • Library-sponsored cache event(s): • Use existing caches • Hide your own caches—just for the event, or “permanently” • Family event; youth or teen program • Variation: orienteering/letterboxing

  7. Some Considerations • Work with city, particularly if putting on city property • Permission, if on private property • Don’t harm environment, consider terrain • Scope of cache: local? Global? • Location: GPS signal available? • Lifespan of cache: single event? Ongoing? • Tip: Know an Eagle Scout? See if he’ll help; there’s a merit badge! • Girl Scouts have a Merit Badge

  8. How Do We Do It? • Decide purpose, audience, type of caching • Partner/Inform others: city, local businesses, etc. • Assemble: container and contents • Locate site /hide cache; determine coordinates • Post cache/coordinates (local, or global?) • Be available for questions, assistance • Maintain cache (if long-term) OR: Participate in others’ cache events! Resources: Hiding your First Cache, geocaching.com

  9. What will patrons/players need? • Cache coordinates (and hints, if applicable) • GPS device, or GPS-capable mobile phone • Sense of fun and adventure! • Proper clothing, depending on terrain

  10. How it works for the searcher • Get coordinates • Navigate to cache, locate • Open cache: log visit, trade trinkets • Return cache to original position • Log visit on website (if listed on geocaching.com)

  11. Find nearby caches

  12. Send to GPS device

  13. Apps/Mobile Phones

  14. Navigate to coordinates

  15. GPS App

  16. Locate and open cache

  17. Return cache

  18. Log visit

  19. Travel Bugs

  20. Different for library geocaching? • Set up teams • Create parallel letterboxing or clues to follow • Local, event-specific, so not on website

  21. A Library’s Experiences • Clive Public Library • Teens-teams of two • Families • Caches- • filled with small toys and a log • stickers • Word Scrambles- • Treasure Chests • Bottles • Tips: • Actually photocopy GPS and label buttons • Mix up the order of the caches in the GPSs • Make certain everyone understands the boundaries of where the caches are hidden and that they must put the cache back • Bring water and sunscreen • Have extra activity planned for those who finish early • Keep a list of parent’s emergency/cell phone numbers http://bit.ly/mcddkY nweber@cityofclive.com

  22. More ideas • Collaborative library cache events • Incorporate QR codes • “Flat Stanley” or traveling Library Bug

  23. Resources • Groundspeak; Geocaching.comhttp://geocaching.com Register, find caches, register caches, FAQs, videos, guidelines for placing caches, cache notes, store to buy “official” cache containers and contents • Iowa Geocachers Organization http://iowageocachers.org/

  24. Karen Burns, SW Iowa Library Service Area kburns@swilsa.lib.ia.us Ann Coulter, Southwestern Community College coulter@swcciowa.edu

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