Table of Contents
Many of these more free-form, energetic meeting (or unmeeting 
) formats such as unconferences, OST, BarCamps, etc. that pull people together employ knowledge management (KM) methodologies. The format offers the ability to create connections, share ideas, collaborate on project. Please add your thoughts, additional terms, and/or links to help clarify ideas for others.
BarCamps (or [x]Camps)
Similar to the unconference model in that it is a facilitated, participant driven conference around a theme or purpose but also requires everyone to be a "participant" and forbid advance scheduling of presentations.
More information...
Open Space Technology (OST)
"...is a simple way to run productive meetings, with five to 2000+ people, and a powerful way to lead any kind of organization, in everyday practice and ongoing change." OpenSpaceWorld.org
More information...
- Opening Space for Emerging Order and a Brief User's Guide by Harrison Owen
- OpenSpaceWorld.org
Unconferences
A facilitated, participant driven conference around a theme or purpose. This model is used to foster and engage better professional communication. There are a handful of ways unconferences are arranged. Organizations may include unconferences within traditional conferences.
In 2009, SLA has started exploring the unconference model. Keep up to date through our wiki and check out additional resources and unconference postings on SLA's Conference Connections blog.
Related term(s):
- Library Camps
More information...
- ALA's 2009 Annual Conference's Unconference
- LIS Wiki: List of Library Camps
- Palinet's wiki: Unconferences and library camps
- Wikipedia: Unconference