Week 7: #16 Wikis

Wikis seem to be used for many different purposes. In my searching, I discovered that the Technology Committee of HCPL is already using one to keep its notes! Way to go! Probably more of the committees could make use of this tool for notekeeping.

In addition, there is now an HCPL computer wiki to assist librarians with computer problems. Thank you to those who were instrumental in setting it up. When faced with computer problems, I often try to remember where I filed the directions for the specific problem. Now they are all in the same place and easy to retrieve.

Using wikis to begin a difficult or obscure search, as described at the Technology Fair is another valuable tool. Naturally, the information needs to be verified, but at least it is a start.

I liked how some libraries used wikis to group resources for specialized areas. For example, one library grouped topics of interest. Some of their headings were: genealogy, travel and local government. Under genealogy, they grouped not only the library resources, databases and internet sites, but also provided links to historical maps of the local area. I could see doing this in our system and allowing customers to add information. This would need to be monitored.