[January 24, 2012] Audience & Participation Workshop

The Audience and Participation Workstream held its first workshop at the Dallas Public Library in Dallas, Texas on January 24, 2012.

Notes from the workshop are available for download as a PDF: Audience & Participation Workshop, January 24, 2012: Notes

A partial (due to technical difficulties) recording of the workshop is available on UStream and below:

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The intent of the workshop is to arrive at talking points for two deliverables:

Message points for public libraries to counter the “why do we need a public library when it’s all on the web” question
concrete steps toward involvement of all types of libraries

In anticipation of this discussion, some questions have been created to generate thinking on the listserv. The number of attendees is limited, but responses on the listserv will be shared at the workshop.

From your perspective (inside or outside of the library world) what does the public library look like in an increasingly digital future? The American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy has already established some useful information to start discussion. What words and phrases would you use to describe the continuing relevance of public libraries in a digital future? The words and phrases may be different when talking to different audiences. What about other audiences? Would this be a way to connect people who don’t go to libraries?
If the DPLA is the “destination,” what are the “on ramps” on the highway to that destination for all types of libraries? Can a list of “types” of libraries be generated and how do you get the word to them about DPLA? What can libraries do to participate in the creation of the DPLA now? In 6 months? In a year? In 5 years? What incentives do you think could be used to drive involvement?

During the workshop, two speakers will bring information to the group, but the biggest chunk of the day will be focus group style discussion in which ideas will be presented, digested, collected, and shaped into talking points. Outcomes of the workshop will be circulated publicly after the event.