1. Future Search Conference
University Library System, University of Pittsburgh
October – November 2011

2. 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

3. Agenda for Future Search Conference
9:00 – 9: Arrival
9:15 – 9: 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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!

7. Six Interview Questions
Looking three years into the future, what would you want our users to be saying about user services in the ULS?
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?
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?
What are some of the most important new opportunities for ULS user services over the next three years?
What strategies, objectives, projects, programs, or new initiatives related to user services should the ULS pursue over the next three years?
 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?

8. Your Question / Your Group

9. Your Question / Your Group

10. Room Set Up Diagram: Assuming 36 ParticipantsQ1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q2 Q3 Q3 Q2 Q2 Q4 Q3 Q4 Q4 Q3 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q4 Q5 Q4 Q5 Q5 Q6 Q5 Q6 Q5 Q6 Q6 Q1 Q6 Q6 Q1 Q1
ROW 1
ROW 2
ROW 3

11. Step Two: Sit Down By Yourself to Think

12. 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)

13. Take a break!

14. 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

15. 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

16. Six Questions >> Action Proposals
Looking three years into the future, what would you want the university community to be saying …?
What would you say are the major strengths or recent accomplishments …
What would you say are the major threats, limitations or internal barriers …
What new opportunities might we seize … ?
What strategies, objectives, projects, programs, or new initiatives should be pursued …?
What are some of the skills and competencies … ? Which of these skills and competencies will be most important to our continued success?
Write a couple of headlines —then write down what we need to do to make the headlines true.
How and in what ways can the ULS use these strengths going forward?
What are some of the things that we will need to do differently in the future to continue successfully serving our communities?
How should the ULS respond to these opportuntiies?
What are the 3 or 4 most important projects or initiatives?
Which are the most important and how can we develop these new skills and competencies?

17. 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

18. Step Four: Reporting Out
Your analysis of your interview data.
Your action proposals.
Please write them legibly on flip charts!

19. What did you learn from today’s conference?
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
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