A wiki is not, repeat NOT a website created by wiccans to disseminate mis-information. Yes, I've actually had a patron ask me that as her child's school librarian had banned the use of Wikipedia for that very reason.
And how many of us out there in library-land still use Wikipedia as a fast and easy source of information when asked by a patron "What's the major export of Brazil?". I confess that my hand is raised, regardless of the training in library school that it is not an authoritative source. What it is, is a quick and easy starting point. Much like using triangulation to map points of reference, information from Wikipedia can be used in conjunction with other, more authoritative sources, some of which are even cited with links at the end of Wikipedia articles.
Beyond Wikipedia, I loved the Library Success Wiki so much that I immediately bookmarked it on Delicious. Interesting to note that Meredith Farkas' name was shown as the contact person for the Library Wiki as we had all read her article last week for our assignment on Library 2.0.
Not all wiki's need to be considered un-authoritative. It depends upon who can contribute to the wiki. The SJCPL Subject Guide wiki is created by librarians to give the users locally focused information. As a user, I would trust this source.
Several of the wikis that I visited for the assignment had the branded wiki image similar to Wikipedia - lots of white space, pale grey background, and similar arrangment of elements. This interface continuity creates a comfort zone for users who already are familiar with the 'look and feel' of Wikipedia. It was interesting to note that the mfagan wiki broke from this image.
Bottom line: wikis are popular, familiar, and easy to use. Their collaborative nature makes them a great tool for the workplace. But, as a source of information, always check who can contribute to the content.
Hey - let's create a Wiki-WorkFlows manual for our library staff! We could incorprate searches, help, FAQ's, and recent changes. We could also add trouble-shooting tips for our new staff and public PCs. Yes, it is possible to create user-restricted wikis that require logins.
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11 years ago
4 comments:
I love the idea of a WorkFlows wiki! One of the libraries I work at uses WorkFlows as well and some trouble shooting help, tips etc. would be a fantastic idea!
Jenny
I love the idea of wikiing (??) our way through the Workflows jungle. This would be especially user friendly for some of our younger staff members who are already web2.0 friendly.
All we have to do (she says, suddenly filled with doubt) is get everyone else to get comfortable with it.
A challenge! More change! :-) YZ
A wiki workflows manual works for me, add it to your todo list!!!!YIKES!
This is so cool, everyone's response to a Workflows Wiki!
The Region of Waterloo library system could be on the cutting edge for all libraies that use Workflows. It might even impress OLITA. I am soooo inspired to do this!!!!!!!
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