Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table Series
Written surveys were distributed to all attendees at each session. It was expected that a majority of respondents would indicate they:
• learned something about the Civil War topic presented.
• were interested in learning more about the Civil War.
• were interested in checking out library materials on Civil War topics.
• would share a positive review of the program with others.
Library staff would observe a majority of attendees actively engaged in each program by listening quietly and asking questions. Anecdotal responses from attendees would confirm their enjoyment of each program.
Compilation of formal evaluations is included in the final report. All survey respondents from all programs indicated they learned something about the topic presented and would share a positive review of the program.
The vast majority indicated they were interested in learning more about the Civil War. The majority of
respondents indicated they were interested in checking out library materials about the Civil War. Interestingly,
more people who attended the Sherman and Christmas programs indicated interest in library materials. At the Sherman program, the presenter displayed a number of materials she used to conduct research. Similar displays will be used at future programs.
Anecdotal responses included: “Very interesting, informative, and fun.” “Very interesting.” “Great
presentation – very easy to listen to.” and “Very entertaining. Speaker was very unique.”
The Civil War programs are a consistently positive program at the library. Some of the same audience
members return month after month, although it was noted that new people attended this fall, and that partly
was attributed to the paid advertising Legacy provides. There was excellent dialogue after these programs with informal Q&A time, and many audience members remained and visited long after the program.
Minnesota Valley Civil War Round Table – program development, publicity; Local businesses and media outlets – publicity