Since this is the first event of its kind in Upstate New York, there are likely many questions. Please let us know what questions you have (and that are not answered elsewhere), so we can build a robust site, including this list of frequently asked questions.

• What is an unconference? "An unconference is a conference where the content of the sessions is created and managed by the participants (generally day-by-day during the course of the event) rather than by one or more organizers in advance of the event." (link)


• Have librarians organized other such events? Yes. There is a list of other events here.


• What should you expect?

• An open environment that encourages collegial sharing, debate, and brainstorming

• An informal and relaxed atmosphere
• Free wifi
• Food (continental breakfast and lunch, as well as stuff available during breaks)

• Why do I need to register? It is important that everyone who is coming to this event be registered for it. We know that these events can be extremely popular, so we want to ensure that we have the correct amount of resources that will be necessary. Registration will open the week of Jan. 21.


• Why is there is a cost to this event? Because of space constraints in the Syracuse area, this event is being held at a local hotel. Thankfully, funding has been secured to pay for the room rental for the two days. [The Library Camp@Syracuse is supported, in part, by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.] The registration fee paid by each participant will allow us to cover the cost of food (continental breakfast, food during breaks, and lunch). Since there are limited food choices near the hotel, we believe that providing food to participants will be an appreciated benefit.


• What is the registration fee? The fee is $40 for one day or $75 for both days. Students receive a discounted registration fee of $30 for one day or $55 for both days. Registration will open the week of Jan. 21.

• What is the weather forecast? Here is the current forecast. For those days in March, the temperature averages 29 - 30 degrees with historically minimal precipitation.


• How can I know who is coming to this event? Hopefully, those who are attending will add their names to the Participants page. You may find people that you can share a ride with (carpool) or even share room, if you need to stay overnight in the Syracuse area. If you use Facebook, there is also an Event listing (Library Camp @ Syracuse)there where you can see who is coming, then see additional information about them.


• Where can I find visitor information about Syracuse, like things to do? One place to look for this information is a web site maintained by the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. This site contains information on events, hotels, restaurants and shopping. This page on Syracuse.com should also provide information on events in the region. Do keep in mind that there will be an event Tuesday night as part of the Library Camp @ Syracuse on gaming and refreshments will be available.


• Are there tips for running an unconference session? Scott Berkun has written a good blog post on the topic, that also contains links to other interesting and useful information on unconferences and conferences in general.


• I want to blog this event. Do you have any tips? This blog post leads to a six-page document on how to blog a conference and many of the ideas can be applied to blogging any event. As posted elsewhere, there are perhaps three things to remember that will help you:

• Do some upfront preparation, e.g., locating any speaker bios and photos, finding sessions descriptions or other known information.
• Don't feel that you must capture every word. "Sometimes even just three key points will do, as long as they capture the relevant parts of the speech or of your analysis."
• Consider your posts to be work in progress. Enhance them after the conference -- make additions and corrections, if necessary.