Making Meetings Efficient, Productive, and Fun (??!):
Strategies for the Librarian on the Run


Music Library Association Annual Conference Poster Session
Los Angeles, California
March 18, 1999


Presenter: Linda Mack
James White Library
Andrews University
mack@andrews.edu
(616)471-3114

We are a meeting society. Many librarians are frustrated not only by too many meetings, but their length, and little accomplishment for time spent. Librarians often have little training in being in charge of meetings, but music librarians often conduct or participate in well-run rehearsals and therefore know that corporate activities can be efficient, productive, fun, and rewarding.

Drawing from the experience of business and the world of music, this poster session outlines strategies that actually make people want to come to meetings: they're heard, they know what needs to be done, they accomplish it, their time is well spent. Tools presented will include: meeting preparation and agenda, time keeping, ground rules, getting everyone involved, the use of a "parking lot," and more.

Businesses implementing these strategies have discovered a phenomenal drop in the amount of time needed for meetings, a dramatic increase in tasks accomplished, and a tremendous boost in employee morale. The presenter will share principles and tools drawn from the experience of the Whirlpool Corporation adapted to the academic setting.

  • Overview - Information from the Poster
  • Meetings Toolbox
  • Pocket Guide to Good Meetings
  • Lessons from an Orchestra Rehearsal
  • For Further Reading
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