Summary:

I received  51 responses which isn't a great sample, but I think it gives us some  indication of what interests OBS members and what they expect OBS to contribute to their professional lives.  Considering the small size of the sample, it's not very meaningful to report percentages.  However, generalizing from the responses it is clear that respondents find that OBS programs, TSLL and MARBI representation are highly relevant to their jobs.  The Joint Reception at AALL is also very popular with members.

Website:

Respondents responded to what they liked about the Website (a tribute to Web Advisory Committee,  Maria Okonsa former Chair and Anne Myers, Interim Chair.) Respondents also shared a number of thoughtful suggestions for improvements. 

LIKE

• well organized
• uncluttered and direct access to information resources
• clearly laid out, easy to negotiate, minimum load time
• it brings together many useful resources under one umbrella
• everything
• lots of links
• neat, easy-to-navigate design
• clear, precise, to the point
• TSLL available in HTML format for quick retrieval
• I really like everything about the site.  It's greatly improved, easy to read and navigate.  I wouldn't change anything.  OBS has done a great job!
• concise and easy to use format
• easy to find information about the section; well organized
• I like the fact that information is easily accessible
• clean design—very straightforward
• good organization, clarity, MARBI info
• clear layout
• it is updated frequently now and people work to make it even more useful.  This survey is the best design to date
• clean design, easy navigation
• well organized and contains relevant information
• everything
it all looks worthwhile
• user friendly approach

CHANGE

• want more timely news
• specify background color so that it does not default to my Windows system colors
• change colors— blue and white are depressing
• add a site map, so that I can see what is under each category
• make TSLL searchable (full text)
• don't change anything
• right now change nothing, I can find what I need
• would be useful to have links to and from the Research Grants and Workshops
• I wouldn't exactly change anything, but I would continue to have committees discussing the design of the site and the needs of the membership.  Out of that work would come change
• perhaps more educational content for the membership on automation or internet issues.  This would be a way of supplementing TSLL.  We could introduce issues in the quarterly columns and then have a forum on the website to further more in depth information
• maybe the design could be updated a bit. More importantly, could there be some sort of hot topics section that might spark discussion between annual meetings?  A link could be sent from and email message that would go to the membership.  That would also remind us about the page.  It's easy for some of us to forget it's there
• change nothing
• There needs to be a link to it from the AALL sections page.  Last time I looked there was not one (nor for TS/SIS)  some tutorial programs in the OBS web page

Programming

Minneapolis OBS programs More respondents DIDN'T attend than did notwithstanding the fact that programs ranked as very relevant to their jobs.  The reason is unclear— possibly the respondents didn't come to Minneapolis at all (I didn't ask that question) or other programming or meetings competed for their time and interest.

For the Orlando meeting, roughly 2/3 of the respondents plan to attend the OBS sponsored programs.  All of the programs were ranked very relevant.  So, we're on the right track. 

Potential Seattle programs in order of popularity

• Update on implementation of integrating resource application for bibliographic utilities and local systems
• Leadership in technical services: librarians who have experimented with new systems and products
• Is the end of MARC near?  Is XML the successor?
• Managing knowledge assets with tools like JAKE, SFX, Serials Solutions, Innovative's MAP, etc.
• How to stay current on the technological front.  Survey of the issues and resources for study
• Technology training— how to get your staff up to speed. Methods and techniques. This was tied with
• Issues in redesigning technical services space.  A survey of several law library renovations.

Program Suggestions/comments from survey respondents:

• Handling retention policies in your OPAC— options for handling challenging legal publications such as legal newspapers, Restatements, ABA newsletters, AALLS pubs, gov docs, microfiche.
• Topics geared to technology and training (separately or combined) are most useful.  [And might I add, closely match the purpose of OBS]
• How to reach the modern law student and make the library the place they think of to get a question answered

[A note:  The Education Committee has begun to meet via email to start the process of developing these ideas into program proposals, TSLL articles, or informal round tables or poster sessions during the slots given to us for some of our committee meetings. Please contact any of the members with your thoughts.]

Education Committee:

• Cindi Buhi (CindyB3@atg.wa.gov)
• Kevin Butterfield (butterfi@ law.uiuc.edu)
• Pat Callahan (pcallaha@law.upenn.edu)
• Susan Chinoransky (schinoransky@ burns.nlc.gwu.edu)
• Cindy Cicco (cicco@law.pitt.edu)
• Ruth Patterson Funabiki (funabiki@uidaho.edu)
• Ismael Gullon (gullon_i@mercer.edu)
• Janet Ann Hedin (hedinj@ law.msu.edu)
• Richard Jost (rmjost@u.washington.edu)
• Mary Jane Kelsey (mary.jane.kelsey @yale.edu), Chair
• Ellen McGrath (emcgrath@acsu.buffalo.edu)
• Catlin Robinson (caitlin-robinson @uiowa.edu)
• Mary M. Strouse (strouse@law.edu)

TSLL Columns

The columns rated most relevant (3) are listed here in order by the number of "3" responses.

CLASSIFICATION
DESCRIPTION & ENTRY
MARC
SUBJECT HEADINGS
SERIALS
OCLC
MISS MANAGER
INTERNET
ACQUISITIONS
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
RLIN
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
PRESERVATION

Volunteerism