Ohio University Libraries

Wikis in the Classroom: Powerful Tools for Library

InstructionChad F. BoeningerLibraryVoice.com

Computers in LibrariesMarch 23, 2006

Ohio University Libraries

Library Instruction Goals

Teach tools to accomplish a projectTeach research/information literacy conceptsBegin a relationship and dialogue between the librarian and students

Ohio University Libraries

Library Instruction Challenges

Most classes are 50 minutesTeach about 300-500 business students each quarter (15-20 classes)College of Business has 1700 studentsPenetration of library instruction in the curriculum is spottyI’m only one person

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More Challenges

Front-loaded instruction may not be relevant later in the term or academic careerVariety of projects means instruction must be scalableLocation of instruction can varyClass requests may be spur of the moment

Ohio University Libraries

Traditional Research Guides

Research guide = subject guide = pathfinderPopular method of disseminating library information/complementing instructionPreviously had 3 research guides• Business Research Guide• International Business Research Guide• Marketing Research Guide

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Limitations of Research Guides

Redundancy of resourcesNo interlinkingMultiple edits of the same contentNot searchableNo way to measure useTimely updates are difficult

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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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The Biz Wiki

Organized by topicBrowse by category or alphabet

Searchable by keywordUsers can edit/add contentInterlinked articles allow for increased access to information

http://www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/bizwiki/

Ohio University Libraries

Teaching with a Wiki

Wikis make excellent teaching toolsReplace class handoutsExample:• Doing Business In Another Country• Industry Research Basics

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Biz Wiki Content

Point to the best tools with “nuggets” of information literacy conceptsContent can be a guide for general or more specific topicsWikis support keyword to subject heading concepts

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Wikis are Flexible

Learning raises more questionsWikis offer the flexibility to address questions when neededContent is easy to edit/updateNew/updated content is available immediately

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Wikis Are Fast

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Wikis Are Fast

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. Would not be as easy with a handout

Wiki Article

IM Question Answer Email

Reference Email

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Wikis Build Community

Frequent updates help to maintain dialogue with studentsWikis have feedback mechanismsPotential for building/strengthening community of researchers

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Why a Wiki?

Wikis are fastWikis are scalableWikis can make the librarian’s job easierWikis can make the librarian more availableWikis can contribute to the learning community

Ohio University Libraries

Questions??