The Escape Room

The Libraries Escape Room is designed to encourage creative problem solving and stimulate team dynamics, as a group of up to five students attempts to solve the puzzles they encounter, while a facilitator monitors in real-time from a nearby location. At the beginning of the activity, each team is shown an introductory video in which the narrative is explained and the ultimate goal of the Escape Room is presented. Students are given a brief introduction to the activity and its rules, as well as basic instructions on how to request remote assistance should any be required. Teams are allowed no more than 60 minutes to explore the room and figure out the clues and puzzles before the time elapses and the facilitator enters the room and the game is over. Students can keep track of their progress via a digital countdown clock mounted in the room. 

The teams are monitored remotely via Amazon Cloud Cam but can communicate with their facilitator via a two-way radio. The Escape Room is structured to flow along four concurrent linear tracks, with each track heading towards one common goal. Participants are awarded three “hints” should they become stuck at a particular juncture. Observing via the Cloud Cam, the facilitator is able to keep track of a team’s progress and, in the event of assistance being required, is able to provide students with the most relevant guidance.