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Mar 4 2008, 9:04 PM EST (current) mksouthorn
Feb 12 2008, 11:49 PM EST edorney 1 word added, 1 word deleted

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A library camp or unconference is a new type of event for many people. Scot Berkun has very good information on his web site about the variety of sessions that an unconference can have, as well as how to get the most out of an unconference session.

Looking at his web site, and information elsewhere, we have the following tips that we hope will help you ensure that your unconference experience is truly beneficial:

  • Look at the topics attend of time so that you know the what is going to be discussed.
  • Come prepared to share information, ideas and questions. Unconferences work when people are willing to share.
    • It is okay to bring information with you that you want to share or that you want to use as a reference. We will have wifi access (and PC projector units), so we should be able to display information that is on a laptop or the Internet, if that is needed.
  • In order to encourage the spirit of sharing, use open-ended questions. Use yes/no questions sparingly, since they can shutdown conversation.
  • Build on each other's ideas when possible.
  • Give everyone an opportunity to share their ideas.
  • Keep track of ideas that interest you.
  • Exchange business cards with those people that you want to continue talking with after the unconference. Consider using the unconference as the start of your conversation with that person.
  • Help the session host to start and end each session on time, so that there is plenty of time between sessions for networking and food.
  • If you feel a session is drifting off-topic, use a question to refocus the group.
  • Bring whatever you need for taking notes (e.g., paper, pen, laptop, PDA, etc.). While there will be notes posted here on the wiki afterwards, you should keep track of the information that is useful for your situation.

How will each session work? The sessions for the Library Camp@Syracuse are each focused around specific topics. Each session with have an assigned host, whose job it will be to help keep the conversation going. The host will have the participants quickly introduce themselves, then introduce the topic with some background material. Then the host will ask questions to start the group discussing the topic and exchanging information. Questions that might be asked are:

  • How have people used or implemented....?
  • What problems have you experienced with....?
  • When you think of ..... what comes to mind?
  • How can we do....in our libraries?
  • In five years, how do you think we will have solved....?

Towards the end of the session, the host will ask the group to list key ideas and will use that information during the wrap-up session at the end of the day.

In each room will be the session host and assistant, as well as a member of the organizing committee. If any problems occur (e.g., problems with wifi, heating, lighting, or topic), please turn to these people for assistance. Each will be wearing an identifying badge.

After the Library Camp? Afterwards, the session hosts and others will be updating this wiki with information from the sessions, in order that this become a repository for the information exchanged. We also encourage participants to add content to this wiki from their notes.


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