Ohio University Libraries
Wikis in Libraries: Enhancing Services, Promoting
Sources, and Building Community Internet LibrarianOctober 28, 2007
Chad F. [email protected]
Ohio University Libraries
2
What is a Wiki?
A website in which content can be created and edited by a community of usersStrength of the resource is often dependent on the strength of the community
Ohio University Libraries
3
Wiki as technical documentation
http://codex.gallery2.org/Main_Page
Ohio University Libraries
4
Wiki as fan site
http://lostwiki.abc.com/
Ohio University Libraries
5
Wiki as a web site
http://executiveplanet.com
Ohio University Libraries
6
Wiki as professional organization
http://www.libsuccess.org/
Ohio University Libraries
7
Wiki as human knowledge
Ohio University Libraries
8
What about blogs?
Typically have better RSSReverse-chronological postingSearchable, but results not as usefulCan be browsed, but is limitedAuthored by one or a few
Ohio University Libraries
9
Library Applications
Wikis for internal library communication
Wikis as collaborative tools for the larger organization
Wikis to communicate with library users
Ohio University Libraries
10
Internal Wikis
Departmental communication
Reference Wiki
• Stumper questions
• Assignments
• Library policies
• FAQ’s and links
• Meeting Minutes
Ohio University Libraries
11
Ohio University Libraries
12
Internal Wikis
Wiki content becomes a knowledgebase
Content is keyword searchable
Content can be organized by category to allow easy browsing
Anyone can add/edit/read content regardless of location
RSS feeds available for new edits
Ohio University Libraries
13
Ohio University Libraries
14
Ohio University Libraries
15
Ohio University Libraries
16
Ohio University Libraries
17
Group Collaboration
A library-hosted wiki can put the library at the center of a project
A wiki can be used to bring groups together in a virtual space
Reduce the barrage of email
Example: Learning Communities
Ohio University Libraries
18
Ohio University Libraries
19
Ohio University Libraries
20
External Wiki Applications
Communicate with library users
Wiki as a research guide
• Use to replace traditional html research guides/pathfinders
• Communicate sources to researchers and library users
Ohio University Libraries
21
Traditional Research Guides
Redundancy of resourcesNo interlinkingMultiple edits of the same contentNot searchableNo way to measure useTimely updates are difficult
Ohio University Libraries
22
Wiki as a Research Guide
Previously had 3 research guides• Business Research Guide• International Business Research Guide• Marketing Research Guide
Redundancy of resourcesNo interlinkingMultiple edits of the same content
Ohio University Libraries
23
The Biz Wiki
Organized by area of research needBrowse by category or alphabetSearchable by keywordUsers can edit/add contentInterlinked articles allow for increased access to information
http://www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/bizwiki/
Ohio University Libraries
24
Ohio University Libraries
25
Ohio University Libraries
26
Ohio University Libraries
27
Ohio University Libraries
28
Ohio University Libraries
29
Dynamic Content
Ohio University Libraries
30
Dynamic Content
Ohio University Libraries
31
“On the Fly” Content
1. Email question from patron
2. Respond to patron3. Similar question via
IM4. Use content of
previous question to create wiki article
5. Answer is out of email and on the web
6. Easier future access to information
Wiki Article
IM Question Answer Email
Reference Email
Ohio University Libraries
32
Ohio University Libraries
33
Adding an Article
Ohio University Libraries
34
Ohio University Libraries
35
Feedback on the Wiki
“You weren’t around, so I showed them the Biz Wiki Guide to Doing Business in Another Country, and they were satisfied.”--Reference Librarian“I had no idea how to find industry financial ratios, so I just searched for ‘ratios’ in the Biz Wiki, and low and behold, you had an article that helped me help the patron.” --Reference Librarian
Ohio University Libraries
36
More Wiki Uses
Student Research WikisFirst-year experience wikiCampus collaborationMulti-disciplinary subjects (Latin American Studies/Women’s Studies/Film)Collaboration among librarians
Ohio University Libraries
37
So You Want a Wiki
Finding a purposeChoosing software of serviceSetting up a wikiCreating a community
Ohio University Libraries
38
Find a Purpose
Wikis are cool, but they’re not the next hula hoop, iPod, or Uggs.What void will the wiki fill?How will it make communication and collaboration easier?How do others feel about the current system?
Ohio University Libraries
39
Choosing Software
http://www.wikimatrix.org/
Ohio University Libraries
40
Locally Hosted Options
Require experience with administrating dynamic websites (php & MySQL)Require a desire to experiment with open source softwareAllow for plentiful options for customizing look and feelData lives on your server
Ohio University Libraries
41
Wiki farms/services
Requires very little technical experienceFree versions can be slowLimited options for customizationNo need to worry about upgradesSupport can vary, but is better than DIY
Ohio University Libraries
42
Setting up a wiki
Populate with existing data or create new contentSeek input from potential users about content and layoutGet/steal ideas from others
Ohio University Libraries
43
Get ideas from others
http://wikiindex.org/
Ohio University Libraries
44
Creating a community
Start with a core group of users to add content and build momentumGet buy-in from others Reference wiki articles in blog posts, emails, and other communication methodsDon’t be a control freak
Ohio University Libraries
45
When is a wiki done?
It’s never doneA static wiki defeats the purpose of a wikiMaintain links, create new pages, edit old ones to insure viability of the wiki
Ohio University Libraries
46
Is a Wiki for You?
Wikis are flexible
Wikis can be adapted to meet your needs
Wikis save time
Wikis require frequent contributions and edits
Ohio University Libraries
47
Wiki Challenges
Getting others to contribute• Faculty, students, other librarians
More content = more maintenanceMaintaining organization and structure with growth of contentDifficult to see new contentSpam, Spam, and more Spam
Ohio University Libraries
48
Wiki Strengths
Extend the reach of the librarian• Promote sources• Teach research skills
Make the job of the librarian easierMake information and knowledge more accessiblePotential for contributing to the academic learning community
Ohio University Libraries
49
Lessons Learned
Have a purpose• Will the wiki offer something new?
Provide structure• A blank wiki is difficult to use
Be flexible• A wiki may be used differently than you
intended
Ohio University Libraries
50
More Lessons Learned
Have reasonable expectations• Your users may not think wikis are as
cool as you do
Be patient• People appreciate innovation, but
need time to adapt to new technologies
Ohio University Libraries
51
Questions??
Top Related