Yes, it's true, one big reason I haven't been blogging a lot lately is because I've grown tired and frustrated with Libraryland. So, what do I do when I'm getting weary with my profession? Go to an unconference and get reinvigorated! Which is exactly what happened this weekend when I drove to Denver, CO and participated in Library Camp of the West. The unconference was organized by LSW comrades Laura Crossett, Steve Lawson and Joe Kraus. They did an amazing job. The unconference was held at the student union of the University of Denver (with two computer labs at the university library also serving as locations for breakout sessions) and attended by somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 people. There were academic librarians, public librarians, corporate and special librarians and library school students. I led a discussion session on online social networking for professional development, which began with me talking about the LSW but drifted to other, interesting topics on social networking and professional behavior. There was a terrific discussion in the last session period on "Impracticle, Unfeasable, Unfundable Ideas." It was both hilarious and inspiring!
I seriously love unconferences, the democratic energy of the event, the equal exchange of ideas and enthusiasm. Like the best improvisational theater, you start with an overall skeleton structure and some basic ideas, and then let things organically move, creating something amazing. I'm even more excited now about participating in another Library Camp Kansas next spring!
