Wikis Connect the WorldLibrary 2.0 Technology to Overcome Physical Barriers
Natalie [email protected]
Graduate School of Library and Information ScienceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
United States of America
CURRENT WIKI USE IN LIBRARIES
FOCUS ON LIBRARY 2.0 – GET PATRONS INVOLVED!
In-house for staff, usually password-protected
Focused on professional development & sharing resources
Does not generally involve patrons, though it’s meant to enhance service
RESEARCH/SUBJECT GUIDE WIKIS
READER’S ADVISORY WIKIS
READING PROMOTION WIKIS
LIBRARY WEBSITES AS WIKIS
Below are examples of how school libraries in the U.S. use wikis with patrons
School library wiki examples can be applied to all types of libraries
BENEFITS OF USING WIKIS WITH PATRONS
Allows patrons to add resources, which enhances the knowledge base
Provides global access to content, thereby serving more than the immediate community
Enables patrons to discuss books and media with others
Encourages participation in library activities and presence on the web
Creates a collaborative learning environment, in which patrons feel connected to their library
Compose genre guides of popular fiction and nonfiction for patron population
Provide links to booklists and bibliographies
Example (to right): University Laboratory High School in Urbana, IL has a Recommended Reads wiki with genre lists, links to booklists, and spaces for students to add their own favorites. http://unihighlib.pbwiki.com
Create research/subject guides based on patron needs and interests
School libraries: Curriculum-based, specific to an assignment
Public libraries: Local history, frequently-used resources, “new to town” guide, etc.
Academic libraries: Common research questions and topics
Example (to left): Westmont Junior High School in Westmont, IL has a wiki devoted to providing resources to teachers, students, and parents on a variety of topics. https://westmontwiki.wikispaces.com/
Provide links to review sites, author blogs, local bookstores, e-book resources, local book clubs, local and national reading initiatives, book discussion forums, book-related media, etc.
Example (to right): Joyce Valenza of Springfield Township High School in Erdenheim, PA has a Book Leads wiki aimed at teens to engage them in all types of reading and reading-related activities. http://bookleads.wikispaces.com/
Migrate static webpages to a wiki instead
Able to set permissions for which pages can be edited by the public
Example (to left): Monarch Academy Library in Oakland, CA uses a wiki instead of a website to promote their library, services, and materials. This K-5 school has limited content that can be edited by students, but allows teachers to participate. http://monarchlibrary.wikispaces.com