Task : Wikis

Task #7 on our Library 2.0 project is to become familiar with wiki's - specifically how they could serve libraries. I've used wikipedia (GASP!)and wikihow to find out basic information before. Because anyone can go in and edit the entries in wikipedia, I definitely don't recommend it as a definitely or authoritative resource for patrons. But because of it's size and comprehensiveness, it's fantastic as an initial source when I know very little about a subject. Often there are good links to other more authoritative sources in the entry or you can use the information in there to further your search.

I'd never considered creating my own wiki though. To be honest, I had no idea it was so easy. I've gone ahead and created a wiki to use for the use of planning a craft fair that I'm a part of with friends. I used www.wikispaces.com to set up a free account and it really couldn't be easier to set it up. As long as somebody has very basic knowledge of word processing commands, it's incredibly easy to create and edit the content. I've limited the membership to just those other people on my planning committee rather than making the pages public. I'm hoping that the other members will feel that it's worth while to use the wiki rather than email back and forth to us all and to try to find availability to schedule in person meetings.

I'm interested in trying to see how other libraries might already be using wiki's - especially in ways that patrons might be involved in. I can see their effectiveness for internal communication and project management. It seems like the idea of using them for interactive subject guides and reader reviews could be really fun and a way to keep patrons engaged. I'll post more if I can find good examples.