Prior to Conference

Thank you for serving as a moderator at the 2018 Joint Conference of Librarians of Color!

Listed below are some tips to help you make the most of your important role:

  • Please review the JCLC Conference Program/Schedule and locate your session. Note the date, time, and location of your program.
  • Learn the names and backgrounds/research interests of each panelist so that you can craft a short introduction. Check with them to ensure correct pronunciation of names. Sometimes the panelists will already know each other; however this is not always the case. Ask questions of each of the panelists to help you in your role as moderator.
  • Plan the session carefully for the time allotted, the number of presenters and the amount of materials to be presented.
  • Facilitate the discussion of the order of the presentations, and the length of speaking time. All sessions are 75 minutes long. Speaking time suggestions include:

Three Presenters:

  • 5 minutes (moderator to introduce the session)
  • 15 minutes (each presenter)
  • 20 minutes (Q&A)
  • 5 minutes (final comments/closing)

Four Presenters:

  • 5 minutes (moderator to introduce the session)
  • 10 minutes (each presenter)
  • 25 minutes (Q&A)
  • 5 minutes (final comments/closing)
  • End your session on time – exceeding time makes it harder for the next set of presenters to prepare for their session, and causes your attendees to arrive late to their next session.

 

Day of the Conference

  • Please arrive early.
  • Sessions are 75 minutes long. Time should be allotted equally between the presenters with time to spare for audience Q&A.
  • Start and end the session on time.
  • Open the discussion by introducing yourself and thanking the panelists for coming. Introduce each panelist by name, job title, and organization. (See program book, and check with them to ensure correct pronunciation if in doubt.)
  • Explain your role as moderator and time-keeper, and tell each presenter that they have a specific amount of time for presentation. Be firm. Describe how the discussion will be organized, the general time frame, and the need to answer questions taken from the audience at the end. This will ensure that everyone gets a chance to present at the session.
  • Manage the session, so that premature and/or tangential questions do not allow the session to veer from the topic at hand. Exercise judgment in handling questions and comments from the audience, and adequately assessing the level and needs of the majority of session participants.
  • As moderator, keep your eye on four things:
    • 1. Remind the panelists of the time constraints.
    • 2. Is anyone on the panel dominating the discussion? If so, direct some questions to other panelists.
    • 3. Has someone on the panel not spoken much? If so, direct a question to him or her.
    • 4. If it seems that the discussion has taken a turn down a long and unproductive track, break in politely and redirect the conversation.
  • Thank everyone. Make sure you thank each panelist by name and ask the audience to join you in expressing appreciation with their applause. Thank the audience members for their time and let everyone know how much you enjoyed moderating the discussion.