FAQ

WHAT IS The Acquisitions Institute?

  • Since 2000, the pre-eminent conference located in Western North America on acquisitions and collection development, held at the Timberline Lodge. 
  • A three-day conference focusing on the methods and innovation of building and managing library collections. 
  • A small (capped at 80 attendees), informal and stimulating gathering in a convivial and glorious Pacific Northwest setting.
  • WHAT TOPICS are we looking for?

What makes the Acquisitions Institute a different kind of library conference?

The very format of an “Institute” is relatively unique to libraries. Beyond this, the Acquisitions Institute is an intimate, innovative, single-track conference, different from any library conference you may have attended before. The Timberline Lodge is a warm but remote retreat that gives participants the opportunity to think expansively and consider the future of library collections in a community of peers. We are less a conference than a community, with presenters and attendees sharing ideas, approaches, and insights.

What is the registration cost?

For the 2025 conference, registration (including all meals) is $675. Discounted presenter registration is $475 (limited to three presenters per session). Registration and meals are grouped together because it makes reimbursement easier for some people, but we can bill separately if needed. 

Included in registration:

  • Two full days of conference presentations
  • Meals/refreshments include breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the scheduled conference sessions. Unlike other conferences, we provide dinner meals and the food at Timberline Lodge is very good.
  • Morning and afternoon refreshment breaks
  • Intimate conference setting of a small conference with an attendance cap, and majestic views of Mt. Hood from a historic building.
  • Events at the Lodge including a wine and cheese event and historic Lodge tour (as space allows)
  • Timberline Lodge room rates are discounted for conference attendees and include use of a newly renovated pool and hot tub.

How much do the rooms cost?

The room rate varies on the type of room and number of occupants. In 2024, room tax was 7.5% and rates ranged from $200-$340. A room reservation link will be sent to you in the confirmation email upon completion of the registration process. If you indicated during registration an interest in sharing a room, a member of the planning committee will reach out to make connections as they become available. All room reservations will need to be made by mid-April to secure our discounted rates.

Do I need to buy the meal package?

This is highly recommended. The cost of the meal plan is $475 in 2025. The food at Timberline Lodge is very good, and the group meal setting creates a retreat-like atmosphere. The elegant Cascade Dining Room is an option for separate meals, but it is expensive and not always open. Bar snacks are usually available, and there are vending machines. Driving six miles down the mountain to Government Camp is not a very convenient alternative.

Vegan and vegetarian options are available for all. Timberline Lodge can also accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions; please make sure to state those on your registration form.

Do I need to stay at Timberline Lodge?

This is highly recommended. The opportunity for informal interactions with professional colleagues is one of the greatest benefits of the Institute. The room rates Timberline Lodge offers us are very good. If you do choose to stay down the mountain at Government Camp be prepared for the six-mile winding mountain road each way.

Alternative lodging:

What is your cancellation policy?

Our policy is governed by our contract with Timberline Lodge. All refunds will incur a $20 processing fee.

  • Through April 15, 2025: Full refund
  • April 16-April 30, 2025: 50% refund or 100% credit towards registration next year
  • Beginning May 1, 2025: credit towards registration

After 30 days from submitting registration, refunds will need to be sent in the form of a check or credit towards the next year.  This is due to limitations of our registration software.

How should I dress?

Both institute attendees and presenters are encouraged to dress comfortably and casually – jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, and hoodies are all welcome. (Presenters, if you prefer to dress a bit more formally, that’s okay, too.) Bring layers, the lodge is at 6,000 feet of elevation and outdoor temperatures can be quite chilly, especially at night. Boots are recommended for outdoor activities. You may also wish to bring a swimsuit to enjoy the pool and sauna.

What will the weather be like?

The middle of May is in-between winter and summer on the mountain. We have had days of glorious warm sunshine and also some cool, cloudy days. We even have had a little snow. The weather can change quickly on the mountain. Prepare for a variety of conditions.

May I bring a significant other or family?

Yes, by all means. This has worked out well in the past, especially if your guest likes to ski or climb mountains. Register early so that you are able to book a room that will accommodate your needs. Guests are welcome to join institute attendees for meals; please add a meal package for each guest through the registration form. (We are unable to break down meal packages either by day or by individual meal.) There are limited other options for meals for guests, so the meal package is encouraged.

What sort of activities are available for free time?

On Saturday, explore the lodge and linger after dinner with your colleagues in the Ram’s Head Bar. Travelers from the central and eastern time zones often happily find their rooms after a long travel day.

We try to schedule a long lunch break on Sunday to allow for those who wish to take a ski lift ride to do so while the lift is operating. (It shuts down in early afternoon.) The view is magnificent! Before the conference starts each morning is a great time for a little outdoor exercise. Early evening can be spent walking, reading, swimming in the outdoor pool (the view of the mountain from the middle of the pool is unbelievable), relaxing in the sauna, snowshoeing, or driving down to browse the shops on Highway 26.

In the past we have been able to schedule an exclusive Lodge tour that will highlight historic preservation efforts at Timberline. We also have had private wine-tasting sessions in the Lodge’s wine cellar. The Ram’s Head will also be open each evening, and there are a number of quiet spaces in the lodge for small groups to gather.

How do I get to Timberline?

If you are using air travel, you will want to fly into PDX. The Timberline Lodge has extensive information on transportation to the Lodge itself, including directions. You can also take part in the Rideshare program. Due to the number of attendees and the variety of arrival/departure times, we have not been able to find an affordable shuttle service that the Institute could provide. We continue to rely on the Rideshare program to assist with group transportation to/from the lodge.

How do I get there if it snows?

Mountain snow is a slight possibility. At that time of year, if it does snow it will likely not pose a problem during daylight hours until after you turn off Highway 26 near Government Camp (3,700′ elevation). Prior to heading to Timberline Lodge, you can check webcams of the road conditions using the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck website. In previous years we have occasionally encountered a little snow on the way up or back down, but the road was cleared and open. Snow plows reliably keep the roads cleared should there be any accumulation. We will notify attendees a few days before the Institute if weather looks to be a problem.

How can I get updates about the Institute?

Send an email to planning@acquisitionsinstitute.org to ensure you’ll receive all updates.