Photographer Doug Ohman: Barns of Minnesota
Written surveys were distributed to all attendees at the program. It was expected that a majority of
respondents would:
• learn something about the barns of Minnesota.
• gain a greater appreciation for Doug Ohman’s photography.
• gain a greater appreciation for Minnesota’s cultural richness.
• indicate they would share a positive review of the program with others.
In addition, library staff would observe a majority of attendees actively engaged in the program by listening attentively and asking questions. Anecdotal responses from attendees would confirm their enjoyment of the program.
All survey respondents indicated they learned something about the barns of Minnesota, and all reported they would share a positive review of the program. The vast majority indicated they gained a greater appreciation for Doug Ohman’s photography and gained a greater appreciation
for Minnesota’s cultural richness.
From this librarian’s perspective, the first program in the Minnesota Proud series was fantastic. Audience
members arrived early and stayed after the program to talk with Doug Ohman and among themselves. During
the Q&A session, audience members reminisced about their experiences on farms, which added an emotional aspect to the program that was unexpected. One of the most surprising aspects of the program was that the vast majority of audience members had not heard Doug Ohman speak before. New Ulm Public Library hosted him
in April 2014 for a state parks presentation, but that was a daytime program in partnership with Community
and Seniors Together. The overwhelmingly positive response indicates the community will welcome Ohman
back for another presentation.
New Ulm Public Library, o New Ulm Area Community Education – program development, publicity
o Local businesses and media outlets – publicity