Open Space World

Those attending our unconference may wish to familiarise themselves with the concept of an unconference and the Open Space Technology ideas that it is based on.

There are 2 references that are a helpful introduction -

http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?AboutOpenSpace

http://www.openspaceworld.org/cgi/wiki.cgi?WorkingInOpenSpace

Let me summarise / paraphrase / quote from these:

We need to start with our central theme. I have suggested that this is The possibilities of Library 2.0 - what is it, what does it mean for us, how can we learn about it, how does it fit into our own library. If you have signed up, then you have already demonstrated your commitment to making this work. You will be there because you have chosen to be there, because the theme of Library 2.0 is something you have a passion about or are eager to learn about. You saw this as an opportunity to connect with others who have similar interests and ideas. "To the greatest extent possible, everyone here is participating voluntarily, because they have discovered that they have something to learn or contribute to the work we need to do."

The simple, clear, broad and open invitation process assures that the people who show up have real passion for the issue and signals to them that the best outcomes are theirs to create... this meeting is intended to go beyond suggestions, beyond recommendations, beyond rubber-stamping, beyond past expectations. This meeting is for real responsibility, real learning, real action on the issues at hand.

And a cautionary note:

Open Space (read unconference) can only fail for two reasons: if people show up with no passion and/or if someone tries to control the process in order to acheive some sort of pre-determined outcome.