Future Search Conference

University Library System, University of Pittsburgh

October – November 2011

Future Search Conference Objectives

Highly interactive, collaborative approach

Gather information from all in short period of time

Identify strategic actions that, if taken, will make greatest positive difference

Develop and reveal common ground and shared commitment

Agenda for Future Search Conference 9:00 – 9:15 Arrival 9:15 – 9:30 Welcome and introduction (Karen) 9:30 – 10:30 “Future Search” Interviews 10:30 – 10:45 Individuals Identify Themes 10:45 – 11:00 Break and Social Time 11:00 – 11:30 Groups Analyze Data and Prepare

Action Proposals 11:30 – 11:45 Group Reporters Prepare to Report Out 11:45 – 12:45 Reporters Present Themes and Action

Proposals 12:45 – 12:55 Discussion and distribution of box

lunches 12:55 – 1:00 Pack up/time to get on the shuttle

Future Search Structured interviews Six questions One of the questions is assigned to you;

you will interview 6 people on this question You need to take notes on the answers to

your assigned question! You will be interviewed on all questions

(including the one assigned to you)

What will the task force do with the results of this conference? Your interview notes are your own (take these

with you or recycle them, as you wish) The task force will analyze what you write on

the flip charts and present as your group’s ideas and action proposals

The task force will use these ideas and action proposals in the process of developing recommendations for ULS Senior Staff

So … Please write legibly

Step One: Interviewing and Being Interviewed

One of the questions is assigned to you; you will interview 6 people on this question

You need to take notes on the answers to your assigned question!

Six Interview Questions

1. Looking three years into the future, what would you want our users to be saying about user services in the ULS?

2. What would you say are the major strengths of current ULS user services? What recent accomplishments or aspects of our user services are you most proud of?

3. What would you say are the major threats, limitations or internal barriers facing ULS user services? What aspects of ULS user services need to be improved?

4. What are some of the most important new opportunities for ULS user services over the next three years?

5. What strategies, objectives, projects, programs, or new initiatives related to user services should the ULS pursue over the next three years?

6.  What are some of the skills and competencies related to evolving user services that ULS staff will need to develop further in the coming 2 or 3 years? Which of these skills and competencies will be most important to our continued success?

Your Question / Your Group

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Room Set Up Diagram: Assuming 36 Participants

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Step Two: Sit Down By Yourself to Think

Individuals Identify Interview Themes

Sit down by yourself What is highly characteristic of what my

interviewees said to me? What is somewhat characteristic of what my

interviewees said to me? What are some unique perspectives from my

interviewees? You have 15 minutes (followed by break)

Take a break!

Step Three: Work in Groups

One of the questions is assigned to you; your group = the rest of the people who “owned”

the same question

Data Analysis / Action Proposals Each group break out separately Identify recorder/reporter and a timekeeper As a group, compare “highly characteristic,”

“somewhat characteristic” themes and consider unique perspectives

Develop an action proposal for FY13 Write your proposal legibly on flip chart sheets You have 45 minutes total – 30 to 40 for group

work, 5 to15 for the reporter to prepare to report out

Suggest you split group discussion evenly between data analysis and development of action proposal

Six Questions >> Action Proposals1. Looking three years into the

future, what would you want the university community to be saying …?

2. What would you say are the major strengths or recent accomplishments …

3. What would you say are the major threats, limitations or internal barriers …

4. What new opportunities might we seize … ?

5. What strategies, objectives, projects, programs, or new initiatives should be pursued …?

6. What are some of the skills and competencies … ? Which of these skills and competencies will be most important to our continued success?

1. Write a couple of headlines —then write down what we need to do to make the headlines true.

2. How and in what ways can the ULS use these strengths going forward?

3. What are some of the things that we will need to do differently in the future to continue successfully serving our communities?

4. How should the ULS respond to these opportuntiies?

5. What are the 3 or 4 most important projects or initiatives?

6. Which are the most important and how can we develop these new skills and competencies?

Ground Rules for Group Work Participate but don’t dominate Listen; seek to understand! Work from agreement to disagreement If you have something to say, say it If you don’t agree, don’t be afraid to say

so Risk advocating the “breakthrough” idea Build on each others’ ideas

Step Four: Reporting Out

1. Your analysis of your interview data.

2. Your action proposals.

3. Please write them legibly on flip charts!

Discussion and wrap up

What did you learn from today’s conference?

Was there anything that surprised you?

I felt the most/least useful part of this conference was …

Suggestions for the next Future Search session on Nov. 2?

CONSTRUCTION ZONE

Photo by pinkpursehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkpurse/5338490184/CC-BY-ND