ohio university libraries wikis: a beginner’s look chad f. boeninger computers in libraries 2007
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Ohio University Libraries
Wikis: A Beginner’s Look
Chad F. BoeningerComputers in Libraries 2007
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What is a Wiki?
A website in which content can be created and edited by a community of usersBest example is WikipediaStrength of the resource is often dependent on the strength of the community
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Origin of Wikis
Originally used for collaboration in technical fields (programmers)
Now wikis have a variety of purposes
• http://katrinahelp.info
• http://guitarwiki.com
• http://www.cookbookwiki.com
Best known wiki today is the Wikipedia
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Wiki Software
http://www.wikimatrix.org/
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Get ideas from others
http://wikiindex.org/
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Library Applications
Wikis for internal library communication
Wikis as collaborative tools for the larger organization
Wikis to communicate with library users
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Internal Wikis
Departmental communication
Reference Wiki
• Stumper questions
• Assignments
• Library policies
• FAQ’s and links
• Meeting Minutes
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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
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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
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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
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Traditional Research Guides
Redundancy of resourcesNo interlinkingMultiple edits of the same contentNot searchableNo way to measure useTimely updates are difficult
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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/
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Dynamic Content
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“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
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More Wiki Uses
Student Research WikisFirst-year experience wikiCampus collaborationMulti-disciplinary subjects (Latin American Studies/Women’s Studies/Film)Collaboration among librarians
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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
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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
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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
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Questions??