Wikis for Libraries

As an application for which users are often expected to be both content contributors and editors, wikis are generally perceived as a confounding and unintuitive tool. In citing the phenomenal success of Wikipedia, however, Pressley (instructional design librarian, Wake Forest Univ.) posits that properly designed and executed library wikis can become an invaluable, real-time "living resource." The key to success lies in developing a useful, organized, interactive, and user-friendly interface. Topics cover, e.g., developing a wiki as a reference resource, assessing your staff's knowledge base, use of your intranet or learning management system, choosing appropriate wiki software, to host or not to host, and other uses for wikis such as creating subject guides and managing projects. This is an ideal resource for any librarian charged with creating or maintaining a wiki platform. [Pressley is a 2009 LJ Mover & Shaker.]