OWWLUG (OWWL User's Group) Overview

What is OWWLUG?

OWWLUG stands for OWWL User's Group and is a forum for OWWL libraries' staff to discuss issues that occur in their libraries, get help and support from their peers, keep up to date with information from the System Office, and get tips and techniques for using the tools that power the OWWL system.

OWWLUG also acts as an advisory body for the OWWL Advisory Committee (OWWLAC). When issues that relate to policy are discussed at OWWLUG, the opinions from front line staff are forwarded to OWWLAC for review. Alternatively, policy recommendation proposed by OWWLAC and are forwarded to OWWLUG for review in terms of practical implications.

How does an OWWLUG meeting work?

Agenda

The agenda of each meeting is driven by member-submitted topics - these range from procedural problems and questions, discussion topics, issues to clarify, practices to clarify, gentle reminders, etc. The agenda may also include a mini-training session on a topic relating to Evergreen, the Online Catalog, or other technology provided by PLS.

Agenda items are solicited via email at least a week prior to the meeting by the ILS Training Coordinator (currently Lindsay Stratton) although items may be submitted at any time. The agenda is posted to PLUM (see the OWWLUG Index for previous agendas and notes). Following the meeting, the agenda is updated with notes from the meeting, and pointers to additional information.

Facilitator

The ILS Training Coordinator facilitates the meeting. This role keeps the meeting moving along so that all of the agenda items have sufficient time for discussion.

Refreshments

Participants volunteer to provide refreshments for each meeting. PLS provides coffee and tea. A list of volunteers is established in advance for an entire year.

Who can attend?

The primary target group for OWWLUG are the front line library staff who use Evergreen and the Online Catalog as part of their job responsibilities, typically clerks and library assistants. However, all staff from all of the 42 PLS Libraries are encouraged to attend. The strength of OWWLUG meetings lies in the diversity of experiences to be shared and learned from.

How often does OWWLUG meet and where?

The meeting is held the last Friday of every other month at Pioneer Library system Headquarters in Canandaigua, between 10:00 and noon (unless otherwise noted.)