LIS 9763

Meredith Farkas brings up so excellent points in her article So You Want To Build a Wiki? Before deciding to use a wiki, we need to think of its purpose. For example, why are we posting a wiki on our library website? Is it meeting the need of what we are trying to get across? Could we use another technology that better serves our purpose?
I also like that she suggests developing a disclaimer that makes it clear to customers that all of the content on the wiki has not been created by the library. I could just imagine customers holding the library responsible for what Kim suggested for a cancer treatment, and what Tom the librarian said about the Prime Minister. If I were to create a wiki for my library, I would have people register, not only to prevent spam but also to deter malicious users. I searched different wikis on library and company websites and noticed that most required customer registration.  This is also the case with Wikipedia. When I used to think of wikis, Wikipedia was the first thing that came to mind; now I think of group projects, community and collaboration.
 
In terms of wikis and library users, I think about the people that are new to wikis, or who have never heard about them.  For these customers I suggest we offer instructional classes both online and in person. I am fairly new to wikis, and until taking this class I have never worked on a wiki for a group project. 
 
Meredith Farkas also writes an interesting article called On uses for wikis and gardening.   As you can see from my blog I really enjoy reading her articles. I feel they discuss technology in a clear language omitting all the ‘techy’ jargon. She also gives real life examples of how libraries can apply social software in their institutions. Reading about the use of wikis has made me come to the conclusion that one of the best uses for them is for group collaboration. Think of our group projects. We can add our work in folders, tag items, and so much more!
 
I like Meredith’s point about a wiki being on a single location on the Web.  This way you can track the changes made and who made them. The best part of wikis in my opinion is that anyone can make changes to them whether they are comfortable with technology or not. You do not have to call the library IT department for this! Wikis have a help section, which I have used.
 
Next, when should we consider not using a wiki? Luis Suarez brings up some good questions in his article When Wikis Won’t Work.  Is a wiki needed for our library? Is a wiki the best technology for what we are seeking to accomplish?
Do community members trust each other enough to be able to update content on top of each other's content without risking the quality of the knowledge shared?  These are questions that librarians need to consider before implementing their wikis.  I would suggest once they select a topic, they consider their user group.
 
 
Case Studies
Memories of Ipswich is an example of how a wiki is used on a Public library website. I like the idea, but I notice that this wiki is used as a link on a library website as opposed to an interactive software tool.  What I notice is that comments are restricted, and it doesn’t look like any customers can sign up to comment. Also, the only editor is the librarian trainer. I love the content on the page, and the format.  I know that some libraries that have an archives department have converted items to a digital library. This might be the way they have placed their content on their webpage, not sure.  
 
Ohio Universities Library Biz Wiki is an example of how a wiki is used on a University library web page. I have seen this type of information on several library home pages. For example, they would have the subject ‘Business’ and when you click on it, it would link customers to databases, websites, print material and other relevant information. My question is did this University library need to create a wiki for this information? Some might argue yes and others no.  My opinion is, whether they did or not isn’t the issue.  As long as the information is getting to the user group then whatever technology is used, then be it.
 
After examining the different ways in which these libraries use wikis, I could think of other uses libraries could make of them.
Wikis could be used in libraries for staff working on putting together children’s programs. With large library systems it is sometimes difficult for all branches to share their ideas. If a wiki was created specifically for children’s programs then staff can share ideas and tag relevant items.
Wikis can also be used as a learning tool for library staff. When staff members attend workshops, they could post their notes in folders so that other staff can view them. This way librarians can keep up-to-date on what is happening in libraries, especially when not everyone can attend all functions.