Wiki Use

1.  Explore the Library Wikis listed below and write a blog post about the different ways you could use wikis in your library.

Although you try hard to think outside of the box for its many uses, when you implement a new technology, you still get stuck in a rut sometimes.  That's why I thought the presentation by Ohio University was so useful.  I never thought about how a wiki could replace regular html guides or using wikis to help determine collection development needs.  I also really loved the idea of student research wikis and first year experience wikis.  I did have one concern, however, concerning the wiki as a communication tool with library users.  We have a reference departmental wiki and have often considered making it available to the public.  Granted, you do have to be invited as an author to edit our wiki, I know there are some truly "open source" options out there.  I think it would be difficult to manage the content and the authenticity of that content when students are able to edit the library based wiki. 

We also recently implemented an instant message reference pilot program and never thought about using emailed or IMed questions as a basis for wiki pages.  Although it makes perfect sense, given we use often asked "in-person" questions when creating pages.  As far as using wikis to replace class handouts, I'm not sure if I'm totally sold on that idea.  Sure, we can create the wiki and give out the link during class instruction.  But how can we be sure students will actually then go back to their dorm or apartment and log on?  I mean, we don't know either whether or not they really use the handouts we give them, but we can be sure that the handouts are at least put in their notebook or backpack or whatever.  Also, using handouts interactively during class increases the chance of students making reference to it later.  The meeting minutes on a wiki idea is great also.  No more of emailing to everyone the create folder on the shared drive.