While I had planned to attend “Library Website and Library Catalog: One Stop!” I accidentally went to the room for “Unconferences.” The panelists (the vivacious Kathryn Greenhill from Murdoch University Library, Steve Lawson from Colorado College,  Stephen Francoeur from Baruch College, and John Blyberg from Darien Library) and the track moderator (Steven  Cohen from Law Library Management Inc.) seemed like a fun, energetic bunch, and I couldn’t bring myself to pack up my Eee PC and head to the right location. (If I was there, it was right, right?)

I first became aware of unconferences about six months ago, and I’ve been wanting to attend one (er, I mean … participate in one). It felt somewhat odd to attend a conference session on the topic, but as I stated previously, I could sense the impending fun.

I’d rather not define what an unconference is, but it tends to be an event where participants determine or at least refine the event’s activities and discussions. It utilizes open space technology and …

• whoever comes are the right people
• whatever happens is the only thing that could have
• whenever it starts is the right time
• when it’s over, it’s over

After the introductions, Kathryn asked the audience what we wanted to learn and a list was generated:

-how do you find space
-how do you garner institutional buy-in
-how do you prepare for an unconference
-can it be done in schools
-how do you deal with panic
-how do you get funded to attend
-how do you teach future librarians to unconference
-what are some practical techniques for facilitating conversations
-how do you deal with tech issues on the fly
-who else is doing unconferences
-how do you make sure participants participate (not just attend)

Kathryn provided an overview and history, and then the mic was passed to Steve who said the intention of the session was to produce excitement around idea of unconferences, while offering  some practical tips:

• Do not attempt to over-prepare
• You don’t have to be particularly smart to run an unconference
• Diversity of roles for planners/facilitators is handy, including someone who will remind “whatever happens is the only thing that could have” and someone who will fret and ask the questions. (Steve related, “[I'm] the manic worried guy.”)
• Library camps are casual
• Many unconferences are hybrids, and borrow some of the traditional concepts of a conference (keynotes, registration fees, etc.)
• Utilize social software: “wiki is the software expression of the unconference ethos”
• When determining date/place/time, remember:  Every day is a bad day for  somebody.

Stephen discussed what to do when the day arrives. With the relative newness of unconferences, most people will be experiencing an unconference for  the first time.  Let participants know, “We expect you  to help us come up with a schedule for the day.” Stephen also suggested giving out a small gift, like a notebook, which is also practical for taking notes.

The first 30 minutes of an unconference can be stressful as facilitators determine, with participants, the discussion topics and logistics.  After that, Stephen stated,  “The people who come really do run the event.” Notes and related information are posted to a wiki or similar space, producing a record of the event and a broadcast for those who could not attend.

Darien Library’s John Blyberg offered the following advice, “If you feed them they will come.  If  you give them liquor  they will come next time.”