[OPEN-ILS-GENERAL] Hack-A-Way 2020

[Rogan Hamby]

As many know, we have had two institutions express interest in hosting the
2020 Hack-A-Way.  I was discussing the logistics with both early this year
when the COVID-19 situation escalated and everything went on pause.   I've
been waiting a while to write this email hoping that as May arrived the
future would be clear and I'd be able to say we would still go ahead with
plans for the 2020 Hack-A-Way.  It's about as clear as mud on a foggy day.
At this point in time, I can not ask anyone to commit to the resources
necessary to ensure the hosting of an event in October.

It is possible that by October the situation will be remarkably better.  I
certainly hope so.  However, there are some pretty dire forecasts for the
current infection vectors as well as the possibility of another outbreak in
the Fall ... just in time for the Hack-A-Way.   I also suspect that many of
us are working for institutions that will be evaluating their travel rules
in light of all these variables and that may complicate attendance for
many.  Waiting until June or July for a decision, aside from the difficulty
for a host, also adds a time based set of complications for attendees in
regards to budget request cycles.

So, to get to the point (finally) my inclination unless I hear an uproar of
"no, we can definitely make it!" is to cancel the in-person Hack-A-Way this
year.

I am open to investigating online options.  They are less than ideal and
the Hack-A-Way was intended to avoid those same barriers that an online
event causes but sometimes we just have to keep calm and Evergreen on.  I
will investigate options for collaboration software such as GoTo Meeting or
Zoom that may allow for both the whole group to meet and break out into
smaller interest groups.  This could also be useful to supplement the
future in-person events.

So, I welcome feedback, including from those who think we may have a means
to make this happen.  But, at this point I am going to proceed with
creating plans to take things online this year and will be reaching out to
others in the next few months both for feedback and with a few
supplications for assistance.

Hope everyone is well,

Rogan Hamby, MLIS

Data and Project Analyst

Equinox Open Library Initiative

phone:  1-877-OPEN-ILS (673-6457)

email:  rogan at EquinoxInitiative.org
web:  http://EquinoxInitiative.org
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