Just What is an Unconference Anyway?
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By Alexis Mokler While I have never attended an “unconference”, I have spent the last five years attending conferences held by UNYSLA, NYLA, etc. I originally dreaded the idea meeting in a room full of strangers to talk about topics that were entirely new to me as a 1st year library school student and later as a 1st year librarian. I’m glad I didn’t let that stop me. Over the years, I have met some of the brightest, most interesting, and in some cases, well-connected librarians and information professionals in this country. At the UNYSLA Fall 2009 conference in Syracuse, I discovered that Janice R. Lachance, SLA’s CEO, and I grew up in the same small town in Maine! If you are still unsure as to whether this will benefit you, read on for more information on Unconferences. |
Alexis Mokler, UNYSLA Director, Membership & Recruitment |
An unconference, as defined by Wikipedia, "is a facilitated, participant-driven conference centered on a theme or purpose. The term "unconference" has been applied, or self-applied, to a wide range of gatherings that try to avoid one or more aspects of a conventional conference, such as high fees and sponsored presentations."
Tips to Maximizing Your Unconference Experience
- PARTICIPATE - The key to a successful unconference is participation from every attendee. Topics and the resulting discussions will only benefit you if you speak up and share your ideas, concerns, and stories.
- MINGLE - By only talking to individuals that you already know, you will be unable to expand your current network, which is ultimately the true purpose of unconferences.
- LISTEN - While it is very important to speak up, it is just as important to listen to your fellow unconference attendees. Use open-ended questions after you pose a point to continue the conversation and let others express themselves respectfully.
For more information:
Library Camp @ Syracuse - Advice for Participants
The Unconference Blog
Article - “How to get the most out of conferences”, by Scott Berkun
And be sure to post your own topic suggestions on the Speak, Share, Learn event page on Facebook.
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