#12: Wikis

Wikis can provide a great platform for sharing items that are dynamic and every-changing. This includes book reviews, library resources, lists, etc., Whereas websites have to be updated and then uploaded, changes to the wiki are easy to do and instantly published. Even blogs don't offer that type of flexibility.

I have my own wiki, one that I don't update quite as often as I'd like to. It's found at http://librarytwopointoh.pbwiki.com/, and it focuses on examples of libraries using 2.0 technologies and next-generation OPACs. I was finding all sorts of great examples, but I had nowhere to store them for later referral. This wiki is by no means comprehensive, and it still needs a lot of work, but it's a great start and I think it's a good repository of information for those wishing to see some examples of other libraries.

I used a wiki with my coursework also. While in library school and taking a business resources class, I was put into a group and we were assigned a project developing a business plan for a business we would create. There were many components of the assignment, and we decided to work on it within a wiki. This allowed us to post our work, edit collaboratively (always being able to see what was changed), and communicate effectively. We were able to get our work done much quicker than some other groups, especially considering that the class was a hybrid class, mostly online with only a few face-to-face meetings. While we were lucky in that three of the four group members worked in the campus library and could meet, other groups did not fare so well in a commuter school.

The most famous wiki, obviously, is Wikipedia, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I use it quite often. While everything has to be taken with a grain of salt, it's a great jumping off point for very broad topics. For example, a student tonight came in asking about the World Cup (I am at a community college). She needed some very basic information about when it started, and specifically about Italy's involvement. We only had three books that even touched on the World Cup (note to self: buy a few more!) and didn't have a soccer encyclopedia (definitely must buy!). The databases were finding more of the news stories, which was helpful but not exactly what she needed. Even the World Cup website was a little difficult to navigate and required some roundabout searching to get the information she required. Wikipedia, on the other hand, has a great summary of the history of the tournament, up-to-date information about winners and current standings, and, most importantly enough, links. This is what I always show students when I do show them Wikipedia--that most of the time, sources are cited. The Notes and References area has some great stuff, along with the External Links. I've even had to use this roundabout method with those really tough reference question assignments from library school where Google just isn't showing you what you need.

If Wikipedia is too risky for you, there are plenty of wikis popping up that try to limit authors to highly selective individuals with specific credentials. Of course, this means that the scope can never even attempt to reach the behemoth of Wikipedia, but you're more assured of quality and reliability. Interestingly enough, the Encyclopaedia Britannica, long the ruler of the encylopedia world, is now taking a page from Wikipedia's 'book' and are allowing users to directly edit entries.

Here are some wikis I have bookmarked that may be of interest: