CoLIG Informal Brown Bag Lunch and Discussion

at Johnson & Wales University, Denver Campus Library

on August 7th 2007

In contrast to the spring brown bag, the summer brown bag was a more intimate gathering. The eighteen attendees came from a variety of libraries – public, school, academic, and special – and also included a Library Science graduate student. Unfortunately, CoLIG’s chair, Jan Loechell Turner, was unable to attend due to illness. As a result, the unofficial brown bag photographer was not on hand to commemorate the event with a group photo. Instead, Denise Pan of Johnson & Wales University facilitated the day’s agenda and discussions.

The group began by giving brief introductions, and then segued into celebration announcements. Annie Epperson of University of Northern Colorado and her colleague Lyda Ellis developed a 3 credit LIB class entitled “Power and Control in an Information Society,” which is now approved for transfer credits to other institutions. She believes this change will increase the course’s popularity among undergraduates. Pamm Clements from Fort Collins Public Library described the roll out of a basic Internet class targeted at patrons 60 years and older called “Silver Surfers.”

Rogene Goble from Pikes Peak Library District launched the troubleshooting discussion with the topic of reluctant trainers who only want to teach one specific course. This spurred a conversation about various in-house continuing education programs; as well as “managing up” by getting managers/directors involved and making learning technology part of employees’ job description.

Marketing within and outside of the library was a reoccurring theme throughout the day. Fortunately, Shelly Walchak from CLiC and the CAL Marketing Committee’s Chair was present to provide input. She also informed the group that ALA’s Advocacy Institute is offering a pre-conference workshop at CAL’s annual meeting on November 8, 2007 from

9:00 – 12:00 p.m. This workshop will teach librarians about the actions they should take to support their libraries, such as setting goals, building teams within the library and community, developing messages, and strategizing to get the message out.

During the break, Annie Epperson asked for help identifying attendees of the spring CoLIG brown bag photo. If you attended the May 24, 2007 brown bag, please make sure that you have given Annie (annie.epperson@unco.edu) your permission to use the photo on the cover of Colorado Libraries.

During the demonstration portion of the brown bag, Denise Pan gave an overview of the library instruction during the First Year Seminar program for Johnson & Wales University. This was a follow-up demo Quia.com, the online software subscription for developing quizzes, games, and surveys, Denise showed at the spring brown bag.

Unfortunately the next CoLIG chairperson, Lyda Ellis, was unable to attend. Instead, Annie Epperson delivered a message on her behalf – "I would love to be with you sharing ideas and learning about new

initiatives. I don't know about you all, but I learn about so many

great things at our meetings. From the look of the agenda Denise has

set up a great meeting for everyone...Our next meeting will be a shorter

business meeting held at the CAL conference in November. Although I

have not taken over as chair, please feel free to send me any ideas you

have for the future of our group."

The brown bag concluded with a business meeting discussion on possibly changing CoLIG from an interest group to a division. Prior to the meeting, Jan Loechell Turner sent an email to the listserv soliciting feedback. To start the discussion, Denise Pan read some of the email responses to the group. No one could identify a benefit or advantage in becoming a division, and therefore the attendees unanimously voted in favor of continuing to be an informal interest group.

At the close of the meeting, Denise Pan invited everyone on a short tour of the Johnson & Wales campus, which was the former home of Colorado Women’s College and University of Denver’s Law School. The highlights included historic buildings and the culinary and baking labs.

Submitted by Denise Pan, Johnson & Wales University