goblin cartoons

I’m home from Library Camp Kansas, my first unconference (and the first library unconference in Kansas). And how was it, you might ask? (If you wouldn’t ask that, you’re reading the wrong blog.)

It was even better than I’d hoped. It was fantastic. The sessions I attended (including one in which I led the discussion–because I was the one to suggest the discussion topic) were dynamic, educational and engaging. I had trouble getting my computer to access the free wifi…and I didn’t care, because I was so engaged in everyone and everything around me. At other conferences I’ve attended, I’ve had many moments–including during actual presentations–when all I’ve wanted was to get online to check my email and feeds. Not today. The whole day felt like the best times at formal conferences, inbetween the official presentations, when you hang out with a bunch of other library professionals and talk about the things that make you excited, enthusiastic, angry, frustrated. At the end wrap-up session, the comments heard were overwhelmingly positive, but also with lots of good, constructive criticism to learn from, and there was a majority declaration that this needs to be done again, possible even making it a yearly occurance. Best of all, the unconference was organized and executed by adhocracy and it worked brilliantly.

Two years ago, I expressed a wish for more DIY professional gatherings. It finally happened for me, and I loved it. This has been a very, very good day.