Washington Library Association

WLA Conference Survey Report

A WLA Conference survey was included in each WLA membership renewal envelope that was mailed to WLA members in December 1997. When surveys were returned, Gail Willis, Association Coordinator, sent copies of the responses to Tom Moak, 1999 Conference Coordinator, who compiled this data. A total of 97 responses were tabulated and in some way organized. Information gathered from this survey is already being used in planning future WLA Conferences. If you have further ideas or suggestions about WLA Conferences, contact Tom Moak, 1999 Conference Coordinator at tom@mcl.lib.wa.us. The WLA Executive Board very much appreciates the time and effort that went into many of your responses. It shows many of you care about our Association conferences and want to see them continue at their high level...and improved.

1. What one change in the WLA Conference would make it more likely you would attend?

More advance knowledge of what topics/workshops/services will be offered

Names of presenters, subjects discussed

More variety in programs

More stimulating, thought-provoking speakers and topics

More relevant, excellent programs

2. What one change in the WLA Conference would make it more likely you would choose not to attend?

Few programs I could relate to my employment

Fewer programs

More programs of interest to public librarians

Not enough topics of interest

Program choices

Fewer program choices

Quality of sessions offered

Irrelevant programs, inadequate facilities

Concentrating on research and why we do library service

Uninteresting information

More talk about the Internet

If I knew none would benefit me or my library

Conference too small, few programs

Same old, same old

If the whole conference became intensely directed towards only professional librarians

adding too many "entertainment" slots (i.e. famous authors)

No guest speakers with national standing

If all programs were technical--I go to policy/philosophical programs

Not being able to identify programs in advance to justify costs and being away from family and work

Avoid bulk of programs as repeat of programs done in previous 12 months around the state (such as ACRL) unless there have been significant, rapid changes in that area

Doubling up programs of interest to children's librarians so it cuts down on the ones I can attend

Winter 5

Summer

Timing--do not enjoy driving the passes in winter in particular

Increases in costs 7

To expensive for what I get out of it like WLMA in Tacoma

Only expensive lodging 2

Meal costs are greater than my city can compensate

Increase in exhibitor fees

Higher fees

Cost

Don't raise cost!

No exhibitors 2

Having conference only on the west side

Holding it in far (west) side of the state

Conference held east of the Cascades

Too far away

Always in one place

Location--always seems the same year after year

Location

Disregarding social responsibility (making us cross a picket line)

Anything with the words 21st century in the theme

Drop in attendance

Longer conference or even status quo

Conflict in dates

Having it on a weekday

3. What one change in the WLA Conference would increase your enjoyment of the conference?

Speakers who were not boring

More expert speakers--well known in field

More interesting topics/better presenters

4. If there were no exhibits or exhibitors at the WLA Conference:

I would be more likely to attend the conference	3
I would be less likely to attend the conference	32
It would not make a difference in my attendance at WLA	61

Because I have lots of access to vendors at my library (KCLS)

Unless registration fees rose dramatically

Although I like the exhibits a lot

I appreciate seeing exhibitors--it is a positive part of the conference.

However, I would miss opportunity to see new products, particularly local publishing

Although I would miss them

5. How important is the conference keynote speaker to you?

34 replies were generally favorable

Very--otherwise we get too isolated; this has been my favorite of the past years; can set the tone of the whole conference if vital, relevant, inspiring, and friendly; very if good; the keynote speaker sets the tone for the rest of the conference and to a great degree determines how well participants relate to each other;

Extremely

I'd say it's very important. 2 I'm new to WLA, but so far it's been very enjoyable and memorable.

I look forward to keynote speaker--most are though-provoking and interesting--a few are not

Fairly important--if speech is intellectually challenging and not "I love libraries"

Enjoy a thought-provoking speaker--also like hearing authors

I like a good speaker and usually will attend

I think a quality keynote speaker is important--high priority

Usually enjoy the speaker

Depends on who it is--they are other excellent speakers

I enjoy the keynote speakers but sometimes think the banquet is too expensive. If no keynote I would still come of other programs were interesting

Fairly important--it is the one time that almost all conferees are together; it creates energy that launches the conference; I have found the info and ideas applicable.

Secondary to a good banquet speaker

Depends on the speaker--some are very good, others have been just OK.

Gives an overall focus point

It's the one thing almost everyone attends--sets the tone, common ground, a real positive

Usually is a highlight of conference--especially when speaker is intellectually stimulating or challenging

8 on a scale of 1-10

Usually the keynote speaker ties everything all together

It's pretty important. I always go. It sets the tone & professionalism of the Conference.

Something interesting could persuade me to go to a conference I wouldn't otherwise.

Can be the best program. Worth $$.

Can energize the conference--but even if it doesn't click with me other programs can compensate.

22 replies were more or less neutral

A bit

Moderately important--depends on who it is--does not have as lasting an impact as the workshops

50/50

Depends on what he/she talks about

Moderately 6; there needs to be some theme or tying together of presentations

Not terribly--it's a lot of money spent on an event that is rarely (ever?) the most important thing you take home

I've enjoyed each one, but not the determining factor in my attendance

Depends on subject of speech and then the speaker

Fairly important but not determining factor

Important only if inspiring or practical

I'm ambivalent--just as long as there are other relevant, interesting, useful programs. Keynote is opportunity to get big name.

Depends on how pertinent the speaker is to the conference theme

Only if it's good and relevant--otherwise it doesn't matter

I always enjoy the keynote, but it isn't essential

Theodore Roszak was well worth listening to last year, but I honestly cant remember any of the previous three I heard, other than the speaker in Tacoma in 92 who was full of empty clichés

Less important than several notables or at least colorful individuals

Really depends--if it is not someone very outstanding--not too much

I would rather learn from several $10.000 people than just one $25,000 person!

30 replies were generally unfavorable

Not very 12; unless they are dynamite, I'd prefer a choice; though I'd be upset with a bad one (e.g. 1991--that awful NPR correspondent was totally insulting); some of the speakers haven't seemed worth the money

not particularly; depends on who it is

not that important

not so important

not crucial

minor importance

not important 5; we have too many "keynoters"

minimally

minuscule--usually very boring

matters on speaker. But not that important

Not very, I prefer to put more attention to WLA Awards luncheon

Depends on speaker, but I could do without

Not--could WLA sponsor 2 or so speakers throughout year?

Not a lot, but it depends on who the speaker is

I enjoy it, but it's not why I attend

very slight--just sizzle--not steak in most cases. Prefer speakers who are "home grown" not big names who give the same ol' pep talk to anybody

None

6. Which of the following determines whether you choose/are able to attend the WLA conference?

1st place votes receives seven points, 2nd place 6, 3rd place 5, and 4th place 4. No points for 5th and lower places.
(The point totals reflected only the first 73 surveys returned.)

Whether my library has funds to send me.	230
Whether I have funds to send myself.	156
Programs that are appealing to me.	426
Exhibitors that are of interest to me.	69
Librarian speakers or presenters that I want to hear.	232.5
Non-librarian speakers or presenters I want to hear.	186.5
Whether my friends will be going.	34.5

Other (Location was mentioned 6 times as a first, second, or third consideration)

While "Whether my library has funds" and "Librarian speakers" received approximately the same score, "library funds" had 16 firsts and 13 seconds while "librarian speakers" had 1 first and 14 seconds.

That everybody feels "welcomed"

7. What ideas or incentives should WLA employ to increase attendance at the annual conference?

Early notice of program offerings

More diverse programming

Not only offer more academic programming but have more participation by academic librarians. It's clearly not for us.

Have top quality programs--something I can leave with and immediately begin to use in my library to provide better service to my customers

Condense programs and eliminate non-meaningful; don't try to offer something for everybody every year--that dilutes content and meaningfulness for all.

Author programs, publicize opportunities for CE grants, feature controversial topics and have speakers who do not agree with us (like Family Friendly Libraries) to debate these hot topics)

More book-oriented programs

Do some at-conference focus groups to develop sharing and contact with subsequent year program officers and to gain

Solid programming

Unique and useful programs--meets needs of attendees more than presenters

Current, interesting programming

More hands-on CE opportunities--like the Vancouver pre-conference but with Internet terminals for practice

Offer more bang for the buck--free preconference with early registration; free lunch with speaker, more joint conferences, Oregon, Idaho, maybe even California, Canada to spread out cost and bring new ideas and new faces

Raise general public interest in library issues.

Greater publicity/personal contact encouraging attendance

Locations that have appeal--Portland is good, SeaTac is not

Broaden the net for planners. Seems to be a clubby atmosphere on committees.

Charging lowest fees possible

Cost as low as possible. So many can't afford to attend and library budgets are hard-pressed to send people.

Bargain rates for those attending one day only or commuting.

Scholarships for first time attendees.

Reduced registration fee to first-time attendees.

Attend the annual conference and earn one day of vacation.

Push networking

More focus on class reunions? Have drawings for free books, videos, etc. Negotiate so large groups from one library can get lodging discount? Lower conference registration fee?

Be more inclusive of all employees

8. The ideal conference program should have a length of

60 minutes	34
75 minutes	30
90 minutes	25
105 minutes	1

Comments:
14 said it depends on: number of speakers and allowing time for questions, on program and conference, on topic

Keep "talking heads" discussion shorter (can be boring); have interactive "hands on" programs longer

2 responses 60 minutes for individual speakers; 105 for groups

Longer better than shorter

Vary according to presentation

60 minutes with a break for "hands-on" activities

It would be nice to have a few extra minutes between sessions--to talk to speakers, finish an intriguing conversation, etc.

90 minutes--enough time for substance and depth and follow up, but not so long as to drag

9a. Which location would you most likely attend a WLA Conference?

(Apologies to Spokane which was inadvertently omitted from our survey. Everybody loves Spokane!)

Seattle	16
SeaTac	11
Portland. Tacoma	9
Spokane	7
Western Washington, Bellevue	5
Yakima, Wenatchee	4
Tri-Cities	3
Eastern Washington	3
Olympic Peninsula, Puget Sound, Everett, Bellingham	1

9b. Which location would you most likely not attend a WLA Conference?

Tri-Cities	19
Portland	7
Wenatchee, Eastern Washington	6
Seattle, Yakima	5
Bellevue	4
Spokane	3
Tacoma, Western Washington	2
SeaTac	1
Outside Puget Sound	1
Location is not a determinant in my attendance at WLA Conferences.	40

Comments:
Moses Lake a possibility?

I enjoy seeing different areas of the state.

A fresh location might be welcome! What about adding Pt Townsend, Bellingham, Ocean Shores, Long Beach?

Try Everett

10. Please share any creative ideas you have for improving our conferences or making them more cost-effective. Thank you for helping WLA meet your needs.

I don't care for conferences. They seem rushed, crowded, and noisy--that applies to all conference, not specifically WLA

Try eliminating the keynote speaker--or ask one of own to do it!

I like the big, inspirational, heady stuff & the nuts & bolts workshops. The in-between things don't grab me.

I'm new to WLA and a fairly new library person. I sometimes have trouble distinguishing one library organization from another and I often feel inundated with information that seems wordy and blandly presented (sorry) I would be more active if I could see clearly drawn organizational boundaries and so I could make the determination of where I would best fit in. It's important in make a case for conference attendance that we employees be able to state clearly why we want to attend and why we think our participation will ultimately benefit our library.

Consider hiring professional conference planner. Use funds that now go to reimburse library staff members for their costs associated with planning meetings.

What about holding them on a college or university campus during break--good facilities, much less expensive food options

Let's try to supplement conference attendance by: 1)videos of programs for loan (unedited); 2) testing a Web conference connection.

Having been involved in several conferences, mostly quite successful, I'm convinced that you have to spend money to make money. Conference need a couple of "big names" to pique people's interest. I don't think that the traveling road show works anymore. If WLA settle on two sites, it might make it easier to develop a relationship with the facilities.

Thanks for asking!

Please schedule Interest Group meetings throughout the conference instead of in a block. Especially if you want to encourage membership in more than one!! I suggest one room for Interest Groups to use in turn.

Let this be your programming guide--what don't people know (what's new, interesting and surprising) that they'd like to know. Hot topics are probably already old news.

Consolidate into 2 days--Friday and Saturday--so those of us who have work waiting will NOT BE overwhelmed upon returning to our libraries.

I really don't know. I always get a lot out of conferences. Illness of a family member or me is usually what keeps me from going. My father's death kept me from going this year when I was already registered. I hated to miss it.

We can all use more humor!

I think we should identify a few cities that work (Spokane, Portland, Tacoma) and stick to them rather than more around so much.

If conference were held along coast we could probably get adequate housing at winter/spring rate and yet it would be warm enough to get outside a bit.

Central WA locations are cheaper and easier for more people.

Make sure everything is accessible.

Include all lunches with registration fee and have the keynote or others speak during lunch.

Food is pretty pricy. More breakfast/lunch buffets would lessen cost and speed things up. Exhibitors leave too early.

If you want people to come from afar and stay in hotel and eat hotel food, there need to be an incentive to do that--like reduced breakfast, lunch, dinner; free massage, free room service, free transportation to and from airport, reduced bar drinks, complimentary basket of "goodies" in each room, free movies. Of course if you offer "freebies" you adjust the price of the conference accordingly.

Have a "WOW" preconference to get people there...and then they will stay for the rest of the conference, hopefully.

No Saturday programs...nobody wants to give up their Saturday. End everything Friday afternoon.

Off-site excursions while they sound good, are usually not very cost effective. Contain everything in one place; room, food, exhibits, programs, and everyone will stay and partake?!

45-60 minute programs are about long enough--anything longer is "overload."

Panels are a waste of time...get to the meat with one person presenting one topic

Have GOOD audio-visual aid support for speakers: overheads, telnet capability, telecommunications (if Bill Gates want to beam a keynote speech to us--do it!)

Have a conference every other year.

I have always thought that a job fair or mock job interviews for new librarians and WALE members would be a fun way to attract new attendees. People should have to pre-register, and WLA member registration should be significantly lower. Registration forms would offer several types of positions to apply for, i.e. reference librarian, human resource manager, purchasing specialist, circulation clerk, serials specialist. Registrations would also choose the time of their job interview. Each applicant would receive a thorough job description based on current standards. Each applicant would also receive sample questions that might be asked in an interview. WLA members would conduct the interviews at conference and provide feedback. LAIG members should be involved. This would attract new and current WLA members to conference.

Small & local facility make for a more compact group. I like it when most conferencegoers attend most meal functions. Maybe make meals (or some) part of registration. Couple of large (no conflict) events and then 3 or so break-out/workshops.

Keynote not that important, especially for the money.

Lower cost conference sites ( i e hotels) really helps

The only reason I prefer a conference locally (for me--Seattle area) is to keep costs down (no hotel) But I'd prefer conference in a place like Yakima--inexpensive and convenient. Make a better conference when folks are all around.

Consider using a college campus facility between terms.

The Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce is especially helpful to groups planning conferences, and Fort Worden State Park offers excellent facilities. Putting together an Olympic Peninsula/San Juan Islands getaway would be very attractive and might stir up interest in attending a WLA Conference among people who ordinarily wouldn't come to one held in a city.

Perhaps drawings or door-prizes might also be incentives.

As the person who approves attendance at conferences I sometimes cringe when I see cost of lodging and conference meals. I know that our meal reimbursement rate will probably just cover the conference meal and therefor attendees will opt to eat elsewhere. A shorter conference would eliminate many costs for both libraries and staff and could result in increased attendance. Having a lot of the librarians at the same time presents a real staffing problem. A 1 1/2, instead of approx. 3, day conference would help.

I organized a Library State Fair at a Montana Library Association annual conference. Libraries all over the state were invited to set up a "booth" showcasing a good program/idea they had. Fifty libraries' Friends groups participated. We also had "fun" booths--calligraphers, library jewelry, related crafts, face painters and of course food. I believe there was even a bluegrass band. It was fun and educational/inspirational/useful. It also gave people an opportunity to "shine"

I've never been to a conference. If I had a volunteer/mentor who knew the ropes it would be a big boost and get me off to a better start.

Thank you for asking. I'm new to WA (have been in profession 16 years in two other states) and am looking forward to attending WLA in April.

If we couldn't attend, having handouts sent to us would be useful.

Perhaps an additional $5 of WLA dues should be dedicated directly to Conference. That way everybody helps pay for the conference whether you attend or not. Might be incentive for some folks to come to Conference, since they have already paid into it and also spreads costs around.

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