Wikis - Sarah

What Is a Wiki?

• Basically, a wiki allows the user to create webpages in the simplest way possible.
• Can be open to editing by the general public or to just a specified group.
• The term "wiki" means quick in Hawai'ian.

What's So Special About Them?

• No knowledge of HTML is required, but most have a simple coding system.
• New page creation is as simple as typing in CamelCase.
• They allow you to bypass any queue or upload issues in your library--you can control the site and add/update your own content as needed.
• They're an excellent way to work on collaborative projects without email attachments.
• Every time an edit is made, a new version of the wiki is saved, so it's very easy to return to an earlier version if data corruption occurs.
• You can choose the level of organizational control that works for your library.

What Are Some Good Examples...

Of Wiki Creation Software?

• PB Wiki: wysiwyg coding
• OpenWiki: ASP Based
• MediaWiki: Was created for Wikipedia[
• EditMe: wysiwyg

Of Existing Library-related Wikis?

• ALA 2006 NOLA wiki: Created by Meredith Farkas
• Library Success Wiki: Also by Meredith Farkas
• BizWiki: Maintained by Chad Boeninger

How Can I Use Them in My Library?

• For internal sites: training for new librarians, manuals, etc.
• For courses: as a replacement to BlackBoard/WebCT
• As research guides
• As CMS: Allows students or librarians to make comments on records (though I'm a little iffy on this one)

To Learn More

• Check out Meredith Farkas' SirsiDynix presentation on wikis here and her notes on the session here.
• Read Amy Harrell's Guide to Using Wikis In Libraries.
• Read the Wikipedia entry on wikis, here.