Friday, February 17, 2012

Wonderful World of Wikis

Graphic from icc-annual-conference-2009.pbworks.com

How can a wiki help a library? I think there are many ways in which a library can benefit from a wiki. For example, the policies and procedures of a library can be stored on a wiki for instant access. Also, the wiki is collaborative in nature so staff members would be able to easily revise the policy and procedures as changes are needed.

A wiki could be a great use in academic or school library settings. Librarians and teachers could collaboratively add information to wikis for students regarding research and resources to help them with papers and projects.

Another great way to use a wiki would be for quick reference of frequently asked questions. Library staff can continue to add and revise questions and answers within the wiki, so that patron questions are answered in a consistent fashion.

These were just a few of the ways I can envision using a wiki. Can you think of anymore?

4 comments:

  1. I like the policies and procedures idea, Jess! That way, they can be updated as necessary with no fuss.

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  2. Love the graphic, Jess :) Your idea to use wikis as a collaborative tool, a way for teachers and librarians to assist students with projects and research in an academic setting seems like it would be very useful.

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  3. Ooooh, I love the idea of using a wiki for FAQ's! Since these evolve and change constantly, a wiki would be a great tool for keeping up with patron needs and improving patron interaction. Great thinking!

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  4. One way that I have seen professors here at URI using wikis is to create a class space for interacting, posting interesting articles, working collaboratively as a class, etc.

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