CSU-Pueblo Final Project

Karen T. Pardue

Instructional Technology Librarian
Colorado State University-Pueblo

(The proposed wiki to be implemented at our institution is located on PBWiki at http://csuplibrary.pbwiki.com/.)

• The name of the technology I would like to implement.

I am proposing to implement a wiki to manage the Colorado State University-Pueblo Library’s projects.

• A brief description of this technology.

Wikis are open-source, content management systems that are wonderfully collaborative. A wiki can be a forum in which those library staff working together can ‘meet’ in one place to post and contribute information to a particular project or initiative. (see http://csuplibrary.pbwiki.com for more information).

• An explanation of the service I would like to create with the software. An explanation of how this service will fill a need at the CSU-Pueblo University Library, including benefits.

I will be creating a Project Management Wiki where those working on various committees and teams can post their schedules, information, and documents. I have already begun such an area in PBWiki that will house the names and schedules of the members of the Information Management and Information Literacy Teams as they work toward implementation of our 2007-2009 Library Strategic Plan in conjunction with the greater Colorado State University-Pueblo Strategic Plan. The team members and leaders will post guiding documents and team meeting minutes so all members of both teams may log on to this area to see at a glance what documents are being posted and download them, if needed, re-familiarize themselves with what was discussed during the meetings, and see what are each others’ schedules. The ability to create a PDF from each page constructed in the wiki will be particularly helpful if we anticipate not having temporary access to a computer but want to see the information posted on the page. We do not have any software at the Library that will offer this kind of virtual location where all these requirements can be met. Http://csuplibrary.pbwiki.com can do this. This service is intended to benefit the Library’s faculty and staff in their endeavor to complete projects.

• Evidence that this technology would be useful the CSU-Pueblo Library.

Wikis are “hits” within libraries and evidence shows they are being implemented in education on a daily basis, using them for staff and student training, classes, and as aids to staff projects and communication. Some articles and examples are:

• Educause Learning Initiative (July 2005). “7 Things You Should Know About Wikis,” Retrieved March 12, 2007, http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7004.pdf.         

This article from the respected organization in Instructional Technology discusses the uses of wikis from an education perspective, arguing that wikis can enhance the learning experience. This article also discusses possible problems wikis may present, such as unwanted editing and content bias. However, both issues can be managed. As far as using wikis for education, this article promotes their use.

• Leuf, B. and W. Cunningham (2001). The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration onthe Web, Addison-Wesley: Boston. 

Leuf and Cunningham have written a ‘nuts and bolts’ book on the uses and implementation of wikis as content management systems, covering 17 topics on definitions, wiki products, wiki configuration, and wiki implementation. The authors state, as others do, the possible ‘cons’ to wikis such as editing and authentication issues. This work, though, promotes wikis as either complements or alternatives to traditional XHTML web pages. 

• “University-Wikis”. http://universitywikinodewiki.wikia.com/wiki/University-wikis. Last updated, March 9, 2007.          

This is a delightful wiki website that lists some university wikis. The list grows longer every week. To see how wikis are used, this list should be browsed for the greatest variety of examples. 

• Huffman, Karen (Summer 2006). “Web 2.0: Beyond the Concept: Practical Ways to Implement RSS, Podcasts, and Wikis [Electronic version] Education Libraries” 29(1) p. 12-19, WilsonWeb OmniFile Full Text Select. 

Huffman discusses how National Geographic has successfully implemented various social software, including a wiki for its reference service. Huffman highlights its uses in the academic library.

• Possible roadblocks to implementing this technology.

The CSU-Pueblo University Library has been experiencing exciting changes that has made the institution highly collaborative and user-focused. While our staff and faculty have always been a superior resource to our students and academic faculty, some may hesitate to utilize new technologies to complement their traditional services to users because of unfamiliarity with these technologies. Furthermore, new technologies require, in many cases, the support services of the Information Technology Services Department [ITS], whose main concern is the security of its network so as to be a risk-free a computing environment for its users.

• Overcoming roadblocks

The two ‘roadblocks’, staff and faculty unfamiliarity with new technologies and the support of the ITS Department, may be overcome by the following:

1.      Staff and faculty will be offered ongoing training in wiki access and editing until all are familiar with its use. The Instructional Technology Librarian will also make herself available for individual consultation.

2.      The Library will use a hosted wiki product so as not to require the involvement of the ITS Department. However, if the Library eventually desires to host its own wiki for the use of the entire University, we will need the approval and services of ITS. It is hoped that the Library’s successful use of a wiki product, hosted off-site, will demonstrate how the wiki is to be used and the difficulties that arise from its use whereby the Library can address with accuracy those issues about which ITS will be the most concerned, one of which is security. Uncovering any ‘unknowns’ regarding the Library’s use of its wiki can only aid in eventually implementing a local wiki for use by the entire University.

• Specific software to be used

I suggest the use of PBWiki, as it offers a basic level of use that is free and is suitably configurable for the Library’s purposes. PBWiki is a popular choice for many institutions for the same reasons. Most of all, it is easily edited with a ‘point and click’ interface that will help reluctant staff and faculty to become comfortable and familiar with the software.

• Plan for the ongoing maintenance of the software, and policy issues.

The Instructional Technology Librarian will be primarily responsible for the training and technical issues surrounding the use of the wiki for project management. Any concerns should be directed toward this librarian. All Contract, Classified, and Faculty Library staff will have use of the wiki and may edit at will. It is not expected that any negative issues regarding editing will arise from the use of the wiki as a project manager. If any activity regarding the use of the wiki is of concern to any contributing editor, those concerns should be brought to the attention of the Instructional Technology Librarian who will act upon the concerns in accordance with the content of the concerns.