The
train journey from London
Kings Cross to Hatfield by train is approximately 25 minutes.
There will be complimentary shuttle buses from Hatfield station
to the de Havilland Campus – journey time about 10 minutes - leaving
from the station forecourt.
2)
How do I get to the de Havilland Campus?
See
above, Hatfield is the nearest train station. Shuttle buses
from Hatfield station will be operating between 08.30 – 18.30 on
Tuesday and 08.30 – 18.00 on Wednesday. If you are arriving
on Monday there are local
buses which take you to the campus from Hatfield station or
you can take a taxi. Please note, if
you have a disability (or heavy luggage) that means you cannot manage
a steep flight of steps, you are advised to travel to St Albans
station instead. There is a
regular local bus
service from St Albans station to the campus.
Click
here
for further travel information to help you with your journey and
to download a location map.
3)
Where can I park my car?
The
University has a large free car park onsite where you will be able
to leave your car for the duration of the conference.
Download
a parking permit to take with you.
4)
I am arriving on Monday. Will there be somewhere to eat?
Food
will be available to purchase at the de Havilland Social Club on
Monday evening. Download
a campus map.
5)What time can I check into my room?
All
rooms will be available from 14.00 onwards. If you arrive
earlier on Monday, do go to the Residential services Office (see
map),
it is likely your room will be ready. Likewise on Tuesday, check
at the Residential Services desk which will be in the Atrium
between 08.00 and 11.00. If you arrive outside those hours the Residential
Services Office will be open between 08.00 and 23.00. If you arrive
after 23.00 you should collect your key from the Gatehouse at the
entrance to the campus. There is a luggage room R019 where you can
deposit bags and cases if your room is not ready.
All
rooms must be vacated by 10.00. There is a luggage room R019
where you can deposit bags and cases.
7)What
time does the conference begin?
The
Opening Plenary session begins at 10.15 on Tuesday. Have a
look at the programme
for further information.
8)
What time does the conference end?
The last
session finishes at 17.00 on Wednesday.
9)
What about meals?
Breakfast:
For residential delegates staying on the campus full English or
continental breakfast is included in the delegate rate. Breakfast
is served in the Restaurant from 07.30 – 09.00 Tuesday & Wednesday.
For delegates staying an extra night, Thursday breakfast is served
in the Club de Havilland.
Lunches
and beverages in the refreshment breaks are provided for all paying
delegates.
Refreshment
breaks - on Tuesday and Wednesday (check the
programme for exact timings) will be in both the Badminton and Cricket
Halls where the exhibition is taking place. There will be two catering
points, so please do not just join the first queue you see – there
might not be a queue at the next one!
Lunch – on Tuesday and Wednesday (check the programme for exact
timings)a cold finger buffet will be available from the two catering
points in the exhibition.
The
First Timers' lunch – For all registered
first timer delegates, a cold finger buffet will be available in
the Restaurant at 13.00.
At
the Exhibition Opening Party wine and
canapés will be available from the exhibition stands between
15.15 and 18.30 on Tuesday.
The
Gala Dinner takes place at RAF Museum
Hendon on Tuesday for ticket holders only. Coaches will depart from
outside the Residential Services Office at 19.00. There will be
a drinks reception on arrival at the museum followed by a three-course
dinner. Coaches will return to the campus at approximately 23.00.
Dinner
on the Campus takes place in the Club de
Havilland on Tuesday for ticket holders only. After a drinks reception
beginning at 19.30 there will be a three course dinner.
Delegates
who have requested special meals should make themselves known to
the catering staff.
10)
Can I get on the internet?
Yes.
Internet access is available in all the bedrooms for those with
their own laptops. Alternatively, there will be an internet café
in the exhibition area on Tuesday and Wednesday. The campus also
has a Learning Resources Centre which is available to all delegates.
WiFi is also available on the whole campus, access details can be
obtained from Residential Services.
11)
What is the dress code?
There
is no strict dress code throughout the conference. Bring comfortable
and practical clothes depending on the weather conditions. For the
evening social event on Tuesday we ask those attending to dress
“smart-casual” ie no denim jeans or trainers.
12)
I have a disability, will my needs be catered for?
Please
note, if you have a disability (or heavy luggage) that means you
cannot manage a steep flight of steps, you are advised to travel
to St Albans station instead. There is a regular bus
service from St Albans station to the campus. The University
is well equipped for delegates with a disability. All the rooms
have wheelchair access and hearing loops etc, but please be sure
to let us know your requirements in advance.
13)
How do I pick the best day?
As
Umbrella 2009 now takes up two full conference days it would be
best to check the programme before
you decide which day suits you best. It may be that a particular
topic or speaker will determine your choice of day. We hope
that the diverse programme on offer will allow something for everyone.
14)
What do the programme tracks mean?
To
make the conference programme manageable
it is arranged into nine subject tracks, which have been identified
as the “hot topics” for the library and information sector. You
might wish to go to all the sessions within one track, but you can
also mix and match to suite your needs.
15)
Do I have to go to every session?
No
you don't have to attend every session. There is a diverse range
of subjects being covered during the Umbrella conference. Most probably
you will find there is at least one presentation you want to hear
during each session, but if you want to miss a session there are
plenty of other activities running throughout the programme,
e.g. the Exhibition, Poster sessions and the Internet Café.
At Umbrella you are free to choose whatever meets your objectives.
16)
How do I decide which sessions to choose?
Study
the programme
which gives titles and short abstracts on each session. On the speakers
webpage if you click on a particular speaker you will be taken to
another page which will give a fuller abstract, and a biography
and photo of the speaker. Please note we are adding this information
as it becomes available, so keep checking.
When
Umbrella first began in 1991 we wanted an event that would bring
together all the Special Interest Groups. The name Umbrella was
adopted as it evoked the feeling of bringing the groups together
– ie under one umbrella. Back then CILIP was known as the Library
Association, or LA. The word Umbrella was in fact written UmbrelLA.
Even now, 17 years later, although the concept has evolved and we
are CILIP rather than the LA, the Groups still come together every
two years and work to produce the programme and engage the speakers.
The Umbrella brand is now a recognised one in the library and information
sector.
19)
I am a library assistant, is it worth me attending?
Yes,
definitely. Umbrella's diverse programme will appeal to all levels
of staff in the library and information profession. Why not come
along to this conference to learn more about the library world and
give yourself the chance to progress further in your individual
career. With expert speakers and suppliers on hand delivering the
latest cutting edge information, this is one event all library professionals
should not miss.
20)
Is Umbrella very “cliquey”?
There
are of course delegates who have attended many Umbrella conferences
and often it is their only opportunity to renew friendships. However,
we expect a large number of first timers in 2009 and we make every
effort to welcome new faces. For instance, on Tuesday there will
be the First Timers Lunch, a chance to meet other first timers and
get guidance from experienced delegates.
First
timers will receive a badge with a sticker on it saying “First Timer”.
It is not that we want them to stand out per se, but we do want
to ensure that the “old timers” recognise them and make sure they
are not left on their own feeling lonely and left out. Overall,
Umbrella is a “friendly” conference – see the quotes
from 2007– we want you to agree.
21)
Can I use the sports facilities?
Yes.
All residential delegates have complimentary use of the swimming
pool (please provide your own towels) and fitness suite.
22)
Do I get an attendance certificate?
Those
delegates who require an attendance certificate can request one
from the main registration desk onsite. Please come along to the
registration desk on your last conference day, we will take your
details and post the certificate to you. You can also email
us with your details
after
the event.
23)
How do I get copies of the presentations after the event?
Speakers
presentations won't be going up on the Umbrella website but the
special interest groups running the individual track sessions may
put presentations on their webpages and publish them in their newsletters
subject to the speakers consent. Have a look on the CILIP
homepage and find the special interest group/s who ran the session,
you will get to their webpages and contacts.
24)
What else is there to see or do around Hatfield?
