Let's Eat: A meal approach to workshops

I really liked the way Kristin presented putting together a workshop. Looking at it as courses to a meal is a really helpful strategy. There were a lot of things I had never considered. I tend to focus on the content of a presentation, rather than the basics that other people will be worrying about. When I am in the audience, I think about a lot of other things besides the content, so it makes sense to consider that as the presenter. And in terms of content, I usually tend to think about the new ideas I want to present, rather than considering what they already know and how I can build on that, how I can connect to the audience. I haven't ever done anything quite on the scale of a workshop, but I think these same principles could apply in other situations.


It was also interesting to participate in the discussion with Bobbi Newman. First, I just have to say, as wonderful as chat is, it has its limits. Every now and then, my siblings (I have 7) and I end up in a big chat, and it really is like everyone in the room talking at once to everyone. I'd almost rather have the conversation in a room, because then at least I don't have to read everything to follow the mini-conversation I'm part of! (And, then I'd be hanging out with my siblings, which is a definite bonus!)

But I really did get more out of the discussion than "large chats can be chaotic". First off, I really appreciated that Bobbi was able to step back from the emotions of the HarperCollins situation. I think that our first reaction can cloud our thinking and keep us from finding out all of the facts. Also, from just reading on the web, you get the feeling that everyone in libraries is irate about this, but Monday's discussion gave a different perspective. Once you know that there are publisher's that don't distribute e-books to libraries, all of a sudden the whole situation seems less dramatic. That's not to say that the HarperCollins debate is a non-issue. Obviously there are concerns, and decisions that need to be made. But having broader background knowledge, for me at least, changed how I understand the situation and the problem. It also made the response by ALA and OverDrive more appropriate.

The discussion my cohorts and I had before we had the discussion with Bobbi Newman was also enlightening. The issue certainly didn't arouse passions - it concerned us, and got us thinking, but I don't think any of us felt passionate enough to boycott or write letters to our congressmen. The discussion we had generated some interesting thoughts. One thing we discussed was how people are becoming like libraries. People felt like the HarperCollins policy was differentiating libraries from regular customers, which, they are in a way. I buy a book, and I can loan it to people, but that's not why I buy the book. A library buys a book to loan to people. But what is interesting is how people are becoming more like libraries. I can buy music on itunes and play it on a certain number of computers, and then transfer it to other devices, as well. And, from what I understand, certain ebook vendors are doing the same type of thing. We didn't really have time to finish the discussion, and I'm not sure what the implications are or what I feel about it, but it is interesting to consider.

All in all, it was another great class with great discussion. Stay tuned - great same blogspot, great same amateur blogger - for the details of our workshop!