The document is a workshop guide on using wikis for internal communication, highlighting their ease of use for collaboration among multiple contributors. It provides instructions on setting up a wiki page, resources for professional development, and examples of existing wikis. The workshop encourages participants to practice creating a wiki and offers links to additional resources and tutorials.

1. It’s Wikiriffic: Wikis for Internal Communication Wikis are the online equivalent of a bulletin board or a ring binder—easy to use and to update by many contributors—and hyperlinked. In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to set up a basic wiki page to share useful information with your colleagues. Karen Luik Houston Public Library [email_address] TLA District 8 Fall Meeting University of Houston at Sugar Land October 17, 2009

2. Wikis for Internal Communication Customer Service Compile community information FAQs Professional Development Training & conference calendars Procedures Program Coordination Share information

3. Why Wikis? Easy to access Via Internet Via internal network Easy to collaborate Accessible to multiple authors Easy to Update Changes uploaded immediately Edits can traced to author

4. Why Wikis? Common Craft Wikis in Plain English http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY

5. Some Sample Wikis Houston Public Library internal wiki (TWiki) Special resource pages: Tax Help Back to School Shots

6. Some Sample Wikis Houston Public Library internal wiki (TWiki) Professional development resources & information Loudon County Public Library LoudounPedia, http:// www.loudounpedia.org / (moved to http:// loudounpedia.wetpaint.com / )

7. Some Sample Wikis ALA Veteran’s Information @ your Library http://www.wo.ala.org/veteransinfo/index.php?title=Main_Page InfoToday wiki, http://www.infotodaywiki.com/ Includes wikis for the Internet Librarian & Computers in Libraries conferences

8. Some Sample Wikis Jenny Levine, aka The Shifted Librarian Wiki - http://theshiftedlibrarian.pbworks.com/ Blog - http://theshiftedlibrarian.com/

9. Why Wikis? “ Think of a wiki as a natural extension to the blogging concept, a classification-centric medium which allows for a freedom of content manipulation across a community of users that can’t be found in any other comparable technology. By engendering enthusiasm and commitment from every user, the wiki can become the perfect tool for the evolution of ideas.” Davey Winder, from Library Stuff , “Wikis Inciting Collaboration,” by Steven M. Cohen, 12/23/07.

10. How to Create a Wiki Go to PB Works: http:// pbworks.com / . Set up a free account. Online Help PB Works User Manual: http://usermanual.pbworks.com/ . Organize Your Wiki: http://usermanual.pbworks.com/Organizing-Your-Workspace . Editing tips: http://usermanual.pbworks.com/Editing . Free webinar: "PBworks 101: Your Guide to the Basics,“ 1 st Wednesday of the month, 1pm EST. sign up at http:// pbworks.com /content/webinars .

11. Let’s Practice Go to: tladistrict8fallmeeting.pbworks.com/Let's-Practice Pick a topic: Professional Development page Tax Help page Book clubs/program page District 8 Conference page Set up a main (“front”) page and 1 or 2 linked pages. Add some Internet links, tables, pictures or other enhancements.

12. Let’s Practice When you’re finished: In your PBWorks account, go to Settings> Access Controls> Workplace Security> Who can view this workspace? Select “Anyone” or “Only people I invite or approve” and add their email addresses and permission level. View each other’s wikis.

13. PB Works Online Help PB Works User Manual: http://usermanual.pbworks.com/ . Organize Your Wiki: http://usermanual.pbworks.com/Organizing-Your-Workspace . Editing tips: http://usermanual.pbworks.com/Editing . Free webinar, PBworks 101: Your Guide to the Basics , 1 st Wednesday of the month, 1pm EST. Sign up at: http:// pbworks.com /content/webinars .

14. Other Wiki Providers MediaWiki, www.mediawiki.org free software, originally created for Wikipedia Wikispaces. www.wikispaces.com Free wikis for teachers

15. Other Wiki Providers Google Sites, www.google.com , with a Google account But read this too: “ Free Wikis, Blogs & Website Ad Strings Attached” Ken Royal, The Educators’ Royal Treatment, 8-13-09, http:// www.educatorsroyaltreatment.com /

16. Congratulations! You’ve created a wiki! Please share your wiki projects and your ideas for collaborative projects with me. Karen Luik Houston Public Library [email_address]