Searching experience becomes meaningful because it helps students master the coursework they have chosen to take, thus meeting their own goals. This is why we do not favor treasure hunts or other game approaches to Library Instruction. Students' time and good will are too valuable to waste on assignments that are perceived as silly, irrelevant, or even demeaning. Library Instruction should be helpful to the student, not another chore, outside of the context of the student's true academic needs. Worth-while student assignments need to be carefully planned with input from both faculty and librarians.
Some assignments work better than others.
Careful planning, and knowledge of the resources of the Library where students will be doing their research are necessary to create meaningful and productive student assignments.