What's interesting, however, is the fact that more and more libraries are relying on wikis to communicate with patrons and staff.
As a reminder, wikis are websites that are collaborative in nature. The content can be created and edited by any group or anyone, including your friendly, neighbourhood monster. That's right, I believe monsters should be able to contribute their ideas too; they have needs just like us. Unless if they try to destroy computers like good ol' Frankenstein's monster here, then we might have a problem:
"But why are libraries doing this?" you might ask.
"Wouldn't it be easier if staff members just sent out an email or two?"
While libraries still use email frequently, problems arise if there's a need for coordinating and organizing group input. For example, instead of you and others going back and forth through email , generate a wiki so that everyone in the group can contribute ideas in one space no matter where they are.
Libraries can use wikis to communicate with more flexibility, whether through using an internal (or private) wiki or an external (or public) wiki.
For instance, staff can use internal wikis to spread the word about updated staff policies. Internal wikis can be used for setting up helpful, informative links, and posting meeting minutes. I also think that internal wikis can also have potential for setting up staff parties and the like. Meanwhile, external wikis can act as a research guide for patrons. As you can see, wikis can be used for a variety of things.
In my personal opinion, I believe all types of libraries can benefit from creating a wiki. In particular, larger libraries can greatly improve communication though the use of wikis. This may be due to larger staff sizes, where emailing everyone isn't always the most effective option.
Of course, smaller groups can also profit from setting up their own wikis. The Daring Librarian has an excellent one; it was created for Murray Hill Middle School teachers. It's very user friendly, with a table of contents and a search bar if you need to look up something specific. It's attractive-looking as well, with many graphics to treat your eyes: http://thedaringlibrarian.wikispaces.com
With all that said, now it's time for me to look up information on Game of Thrones, through wikis of course.
For instance, staff can use internal wikis to spread the word about updated staff policies. Internal wikis can be used for setting up helpful, informative links, and posting meeting minutes. I also think that internal wikis can also have potential for setting up staff parties and the like. Meanwhile, external wikis can act as a research guide for patrons. As you can see, wikis can be used for a variety of things.
In my personal opinion, I believe all types of libraries can benefit from creating a wiki. In particular, larger libraries can greatly improve communication though the use of wikis. This may be due to larger staff sizes, where emailing everyone isn't always the most effective option.
Of course, smaller groups can also profit from setting up their own wikis. The Daring Librarian has an excellent one; it was created for Murray Hill Middle School teachers. It's very user friendly, with a table of contents and a search bar if you need to look up something specific. It's attractive-looking as well, with many graphics to treat your eyes: http://thedaringlibrarian.wikispaces.com
With all that said, now it's time for me to look up information on Game of Thrones, through wikis of course.
No comments:
Post a Comment