MLA Public Services Division Unconference

The Public Services Division Unconference* on March 21st focused on adult programming, which was particularly relevant to me as we plan for our new building, with lots of new spaces for programs of different types.  The unconference followed a format of small group discussions with summaries reported back to the whole group. Detailed notes were posted on the Facebook page of the Md. Adult Programming Interest Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/172759956187770. 

Some of the notable points:


Finding ideas for programs

• Listen to patrons - if there's a patron who's passionate about a hobby, an area of research, a type of reading, etc., he or she might make a good presenter for an event
• Think about how topics or themes might have cross-generational appeal - for example, local history for kids and adults
• In partnering with other organizations, think outside the usual types of clubs and cultural institutions - for example, retirement communities, social service agencies

Program evaluation

• Make it easy for the attendees
• At the event, hand out a postcard-sized evaluation form with just a couple key questions.
• On the card, ask for their email address and, if they give it, send them a link to a more detailed evaluation online.

Specific program ideas

One of our discussions generated a large number of good ideas for programs.  At least one library in Maryland has had a success with each of these. Some of the highlights:

• A juried photography exhibit on a theme
• An adult reading club in the winter instead of the summer - it spreads out the workload and adults' schedules don't depend on the school year
• A scavenger hunt in the library using call numbers and other info, with a book at the end containing a small prize
• A presentation on car repair for women
• A book discussion (not a book club) where everyone reads whatever books they like and makes a short presentation to the group about 1 or 2 books
• A cookbook discussion group
• The 10,000 Villages organization will do presentations on fair trade
• The Foreign Policy Association provides materials such as DVDs and background booklets for discussion groups on international relations and foreign policy

Online database of program ideas and presenters

One of the most exciting things to arise from the unconference was a plan to create a Maryland statewide database of library program ideas and presenters.  Only librarians would have access to it, and it would contain details about successful and unsuccessful programs, with handouts, publicity materials, etc.  It would also contain information about presenters that libraries have used - including assessment of the quality of the person's presentation or performance.  This is still in the early stages but I think it would be a very useful resource ... I'll send an email with more info when it gets off the ground.



Please feel free to contact me with questions or for more information.

Bill



*An unconference, if you're unfamiliar with the term, is a conference without a set agenda, and without prearranged speakers and topics.  The group decides on the spot what they want to learn about, how the sessions will be conducted, and who - if anyone - will give formal presentations.  There needs to be at least one coordinator to lead that discussion and to keep things on schedule, but in general it's a very democratic process.  Participants benefit because they have a lot of input into the topics discussed, and because the format tends to be more discussion and less lecturing.