Working Together: A Planning Retreat for Library and Information Technology Professionals

October 5 - 7, 1994
Washington, D.C.

Overview

Over the past ten years, the roles and responsibilities of both librarians and information technologists on university and college campuses have changed. These changes have many root causes, but much of it has occurred in response to technological innovations and new patterns of scholarly communication. Some of the changes have brought librarians and information technologists into closer contact, and in some cases, blurred the lines separating their areas of operation.

To best serve the needs of the institutions that employ them, these groups must work effectively together. Fortunately, they have both commonalities and differences from which to work. Because they work in the same changing and challenging environment, there is a unique opportunity to explore emerging user needs together to provide holistic responses. Their differences provide the fuel for the kind of creative and innovative approaches that develop when individuals and groups see problems from a new perspective. Each group brings skills, experience, and knowledge that hold the promise of rich collaboration.

Successful models of effective working relationships already exist. This program is designed to support and enhance the synergy of those already successful in working together and to provide assistance to those who continue to struggle with their differences.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for teams of senior library and information technology professionals and administrators from large universities and research institutions who wish to improve their personal ability and the ability of their organizations to work effectively together. Subsequent offerings of this workshop will target smaller colleges and single institutions.

Key Objectives

• Participants will gain an understanding of the broad range of opportunities available for joint action

• Participants will be provided the time and tools to negotiate and develop collaborative and cooperative efforts to undertake upon return to home institutions

• Participants will have the opportunity to explore and practice skills and processes designed to support collaborative efforts and encourage collaboration at all levels of the organization

Registration and Fee

Enrollment will be limited to 40. Registration will be accepted only from teams with representation from senior administrative levels of both the library and information technology units on a campus. The fee is $400 per individual; a discount of $50 per person will be offered for each participant beyond the initial pair. Lodging and meals, except for one lunch, are not included in the fee.

Schedule

An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, October 5 from 7 - 9 p.m. The program will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 6 and adjourn at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7. There will be an evening session on Thursday.

Location

Please arrange for your own accomodations at the Embassy Row Hotel by phone once your registration has been confirmed. Please tell the reservation agent that you will be attending the Coalition for Networked Information meeting.

   The Embassy Row Hotel
   2015 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
   Washington, D.C.  20036
   (202) 265-1600
   fax: (202) 328-7526

Rates:

   $120.00 Single
   $120.00 Double

You will need to guarantee the first night with a credit card or check.

Retreat Facilitators

Gerry Bernbom is University Data Administrator in the Office of Information Technology at Indiana University. He is co-developer of INforum, Indiana University's professional development program for librarians and technologists. He has published and presented nationally on the subjects of strategic planning, campus-wide information systems, information policy, and information management issues.

Susan Jurow is the Director of the Association of Research Libraries Office of Management Services. She monitors emerging professional and managerial issues in order to design programs and services that meet the unique needs of academic and research libraries. She conducts workshops and offers consulting services on all aspects of library management and administration.

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