All about Wikis and Library 2.0

Wikis are great for collaborating on a range of topics. Why are they great?

• Library staff manual / procedures, such as the reference manual, circulation manual, etc. can be created and updated using a wiki. There is also history tracking through wikis. Other manuals can include how to use a database. The users cannot edit this but they can comment and staff will update.
• It is a free cheap alternative to intranets;
• Guides (eg. subject guides) can be created using wikis;
• Professional development wikis – a wiki of library related things (see Library Success wiki at www.libsuccess.org) ;
• Conferences – schedule of conferences, people attending can be incorporated into a wiki.
  
  Libraries can use wikis to promote internal communication (which remains up to date since anyone can add and edit content), provide a virtual space for group collaboration or create dynamic content for the user population.
  
  Libraries are also using wikis for subject / research guides, which used to be static web pages pointing researchers to appropriate information in a subject area. As these guides can become outdated quickly, they can be edited in a wiki when the need arises.
  
  The wiki contains such information as tough questions and research assignments that reference staff are presented with in semester. This information is readily accessible at the time of need. The wiki serves as a place to put answers to staff FAQs, and is a repository for department meeting minutes.
  
  See Ohio University’s BizWiki http://www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/bizwiki/index.php/Main_Page. For business, it contains information about reference books, websites, research guides and how-to documents. Also visit http://msref.pbwiki.com/. The WikiMatrix (http://www.wikimatrix.org) allows users to select multiple wiki applications and compare them side by side. The Choice Wizard allows users to narrow down applications and software options based on selected criteria.