Using a wiki to manage a library instruction program: Sharing knowledge to better serve patrons
by Charles Allan, reference librarian at East Tennessee State University’s Charles C. Sherrod Library

The multi-author, collaborative software known as a wiki, can be used by librarians to manage their work in library instruction programs. A library instruction wiki can create better information sharing, facilitate collaboration in the creation of resources, and efficiently divide work loads among librarians. The wiki, which is accessible by invited users at a specific URL, somewhat visually resembles a word processing program. Wiki members edit text documents and attach files. Contributors to a library instruction wiki can edit and store insightful comments into class needs, work together in the creation of subject resource guides, and update outdated material.

Library instruction wikis have two chief uses: the sharing of knowledge and the ability to cooperate in creating resources, such as informational handouts and guides.

Source: C&RL News

See Also: Allan lists several popular wiki programs. One not listed is the web-based, Zoho Wiki (currently a beta release). It’s free.

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 5th, 2007 and is filed under Libraries and Librarianship, Search News, Technology and Internet. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.