Week 7: Wikis

#17 Playing around with PBWiki
I found this tool easy to navigate and editing (or adding my comments to) a couple of 'Favorite' pages on the PLCMC Learning wiki was very straight forward.

Patrons (and staff) with reasonable computer and software skills would not have any difficulties in using wiki software like PBWiki if we were to utilise this library 2.0 service delivery method in the future.

#16 So What's in a Wiki?
After exploring various library based wikis and reading some informative works on what a wiki is and how they can be utilised in library service delivery, I was pondering the pros and cons of wikis as a source of information.

The most obvious element of a wiki is that it is dynamic and has the potential to provide 'real time' information and reflect on societal influences. However, the content is not authoritative, it's subjective and based on user opinions, which are not necessarily balanced. This may be a negative aspect when researching, but for certain topics, such as discussing book reviews as part of a Book Club, it's a great method of sharing information and opinions and stimulating online social interaction. It is unfortunate however that some wikis have editing restrictions or safety checks because of virtual vandalism.

My wiki examples... First, a Summer Reading Club Wiki could be established for patrons in conjunction with the Summer Reading Programs, which are typically very popular. Discussions about various 'great reads' and other reading and research tips could be encouraged and guidance provided by Adult and Youth/Children's service Librarians. Promotion of the wiki could co-inside with the program publicity.

An internal intranet wiki could also be established for library staff, potentially eliminating the need for emails about changes to library procedures and services, which are saved in an ever full inbox (& brain). Setting up an internal wiki could provide staff with 'real time' service changes, a method of retaining staff knowledge, and an access point for staff to clarify things they may have forgotten. It would also give staff the means to provide constructive feedback.

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