I’ll be going, and glancing at the sign up page, it looks like it’ll be a good turnout.

One of the precepts of an Open Spaces event is that whatever happens is the only thing that could have. If that’s the case, then we were fated to participate in a very fulfilling and interesting morning and afternoon (final agenda). A number of people stepped up and helped facilitate the sessions: Casey, Mark, Jessamyn, Sharon, Rebbecca, Dan, Mary Jane, and Janie–Thanks to all of you!

I’ve also been put to shame by all the other bloggers who have covered this event already: Rebecca Hedreen, Sean Robinson, Sharon Clapp, Abby Blachly, Casey Bisson, Jessamyn West, Jennifer Macaulay, Michael Golrick, and Lichen Rancourt

I still think that the “Library Camp” convention can be easily exported to virtually any locale that is convenient enough for a moderately sized group to attend–the critical component, being the people, of course. Connecticut is home to a great tradition of quality librarianship and a lot of the people who make that possible showed up to participate. I did notice that this library camp seemed to be attended by a few more administrators than Ann Arbor’s. I think this changed the dynamic a little, though I confess I haven’t pondered it enough to articulate what that difference was–there was still a strong techie showing, and that’s a good thing for administrators to be exposed to! The open spaces format gives attendees a chance to really talk and explore topics in ways they might not otherwise have a chance to do at traditional conferences. As a result, a number of people told me that they felt it was like nothing they had ever attended before–exactly the response I hoped for!

If you would like to set up a library camp in your locale, feel free to Shanghai the library 2 wiki. I would suggest you give people at least three months of notice to sign up and make arrangements. Periodic reminders are a good thing too. It’s entirely possible to run the risk of over-planning an open spaces event, so be mindful of that. Also, always keep in mind the four principles of Open Space:

• Whoever comes is the right people
• Whatever happens is the only thing that could have
• When it starts is the right time
• When it’s over, it’s over

We started the day by doing introductions and gathering together topics of interest. We could then quickly construct a schedule for the day that would, hopefully, intersect the hottest topics, soliciting help from individuals to lead the different discussions. I didn’t get the timing quite right in the morning, but the important thing is that once we got the ball rolling, the discussion took over.

The Darien Library has offered to host another Library Camp (perhaps a Mid-Winter get-together?). And who knows, maybe there will be a Library Camp South, West …. North?

We’ll see…

I’ve never attended a real open spaces event, so this is going to be a completely new experience for me (I’ve been saying that about a lot of things lately). I’m confident, however, that the format will be conducive to discussion and I’m expecting that we’ll not only learn a lot but accomplish a fair bit as well. A number of great people are planning on attending–be sure to add your name if you plan to come. I believe that space constraints are capping registration at 40.

Some of my topics may overlap what Eli’s already tossed out, but that’s the idea–to find the overlapping topics and go from there.

I’d like to spend some time looking at Library 2.0. I’m wondering if the term itself is becoming a liability. My concern is that there is so much contention associated with it now that the great intellectual discussion it’s intended to represent is being neglected.

I want to talk about ways that techies and non-techies can better communicate. I think there will be a good representation from both camps, if you will, that a candid dialogue could ensue.

I’d like to spend some time talking shop with other techies. Specifically, I’d like to get together with some other III users and see where that goes. I’d also like to cover/learn more about some of the stuff discussed at code4lib. XML/XSLT hacking would be fun too.

I want to talk about OPACs. Specifically, I want to talk about adding social software to the OPAC. I’d like to share some of the work I’ve been doing in this direction and invite others to do the same. I’d also like to gather ideas on getting buy-in for this sort of thing.

A general talk about trends in library websites. I’d really like to hear from the academic sector on this because the public library perspective can be very different and sometimes the academic library voices don’t come through as well as I’d like. I’d like to find out where the similarities end and differences begin.

Because this is not an “in-industry” event, I’d like to talk with library users and get their opinions and perspective on many of the ideas behind Library 2.0.

I’d like to spend some time checking out all the neat gadgets people will be coming with–so bring your cool stuff!

I, too, would like to talk about IM virtual reference. AADL doesn’t do it and I really think we should. I’d like to hear from others who may have successfully pulled it off. I’d like to talk about some other alternatives as well, such as web-based IRC clients/bots/etc.

I’d like to talk about networking in libraries. Perhaps cover different Wi-Fi solutions. I have some ideas on using bittorrent as a content delivery system for patrons I’d like to vet. General chat about networking/server infrastructure would be fun.

I think some discussion should go into whether an information clearinghouse should exist for L2 ideas and resources. The Library 2.0 wiki, perhaps? Maybe we can get a start on filling in some information.

I have a feeling I’ll be updating this page post, but this is a start. I’ll be cross posting this list to the possible session page on the Library 2.0 wiki. Be sure to add yours there as well. Even if you’re not going, if you think of a topic, add it because there will be a number of bloggers present who will be interpreting events. Who knows, your topic might get discussed.

The 2006 Library Camp will be held here at the Ann Arbor District Library. Programs and discussions will continue throughout that day and may spill out into the stacks, computing centers and wherever else the participants deem a good meeting place. Of course, all your geek amenities will be provided.

Be sure to visit the wiki or tune into Ed's blog for more information.

[tags]L2, Mash-ups, AADL, Superpatron, Unconference, Library, Librarians, Geeks, Library Camp[/tags]