Wikis

I enjoy using wikipedia but have never gone further to edit or add my own link. On the face of it, it seems to be very user friendly. In providing a platform for those who actually know something about a subject to share that knowledge in an open format (knowledge is there to be shared:- “It is knowledge that influences and equalizes the social condition of man; that gives to all, however different their political position, passions which are in common, and enjoyments which are universal.” Benjamin Disraeli ), to invite other considerations which in turn strengthens the wiki and it’s ability to grow after every addition – it is reaching out to the global community in a resourceful way and in a positive way, providing an arena for the contributions of it’s community – it’s a 2-way street. It seems to also provide helpful explanations & advice (using links) in helping those with specific issues eg health, travel; where a page can be opened sometimes only to invite input by other knowledgeable users.

I thought the ‘best practices wiki’ was great ; some excellent suggestions from libraries all over for other librarians to take advantage of – interesting to read; “the more print there is in a community the higher the literacy level, and the more success there is in school.” Now that is worthwhile seeing in print! I am also impressed by Chad Boeninger’s BizWiki – can see our NZ collection having it’s own ‘nzwiki’ & doing something similar for directing users. Ideas for applications within libraries as a specific group could include a Wiki for co-ordinating Library Heritage Week – in the first instance to help organize the events including input from branch libraries with links to sponsors and what each library is planning to do. Its possible a wiki could be useful in promoting services for children where the library supports a holiday or reading programme, encouraging advice from children’s authors and contributions for best liked / disliked books or activities. There would be many uses – and probably the more you did use it, the more reasons you would find.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” – Benjamin Franklin