[Ads-l] housekeeping

[Barretts Mail]

I’ve never had a really good grasp of the word “housekeeping” as used at conferences.

English OLD (https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/housekeeping <https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/housekeeping>): Operations such as maintenance or record-keeping which facilitate productive work in an organization.

Example sentence:
Before we go any further, some administrative housekeeping demands immediate attention. -> This may work but not within the scope of the definition.

Wiktionary (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/housekeeping <https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/housekeeping>): Any general tasks that involve preparation. -> This does not seem relevant

Example sentence:
The computer program does some general housekeeping involving initializing variables and opening files before beginning the main processing.

Merriam-Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/housekeeping <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/housekeeping>): the routine tasks that must be done in order for a system to function or to function efficiently -> This seems to work but the example phrase seems to indicate a different intended meaning.

Example phrase:
performing some computer housekeeping by deleting old files

Looking at the internet, it seems “housekeeping” is used to mean information and instructions for conference attendees. Arguably the housekeeping announcements could be “routine tasks that must be done in order for [the conference] to function efficiently” but surely at least a subentry is preferable. 

A. Housekeeping Announcements Lister Hill Center Auditorium (https://tinyurl.com/yas9ay98 <https://tinyurl.com/yas9ay98>)

—— 
(We suggest that you read these aloud at the beginning of each day of your meeting.)
1. No food or beverages are allowed in the auditorium.
2. No smoking is allowed in the building.
…
——

B. Housekeeping for conference (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3E3n2Ve914 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3E3n2Ve914>) video: various instructions for attendees

C. Housekeeping for the AELP National Conference 2018 (http://www.aelpnationalconference.org.uk/ehome/nationalconference2018/housekeeping/ <http://www.aelpnationalconference.org.uk/ehome/nationalconference2018/housekeeping/>)

Headings therein:
Registration
Badges
AELP Conference App
Workshop Attendance
…
Special Dietary Requirements

Benjamin Barrett
Formerly of Seattle, WA



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