The document discusses using wikis for librarians. It covers types of wikis, creating and using wikis, policies and issues. Wikis allow for collaborative writing, have features like editing modes and histories. They can be used for FAQs, guides, training and group collaboration as an alternative to traditional websites. Wikis differ from websites in having open editing and linked words that add value. Challenges include needing training for participation and preventing spam or destructive behaviors which require trust in participants and content.

1. Kent State University SLIS, July 18-19, 2008 Using Web 2.0 Principles to Become Librarian 2.0 WIKIS

2. Instructor: Brian C. Gray Head of Reference Librarian: Engineering, Mathematics, & Statistics Kelvin Smith Library, Case Western Reserve University Work email: bcg8@case.edu Work phone: 216-368-8685 IM: AIM - kslbcg8 ICQ - 499284601 Google Chat - kslbcg8@gmail.com MSN - bcg8@case.edu Yahoo - kslbcg8

3. Getting to Know Wikis Types of wikis Creating a wiki Using a wiki Policies and issues Wiki Exploration

4. Wiki – Features Collaborative writing environment in the form of a web page. Article Editing mode Discussion/Talk History/Archive Search Index/Categories

5. Wiki - Uses FAQ History of Subject guide Community portal Training manual Group collaboration Traditional website alternative

6. Wiki vs Traditional Webpages Pages still link to other pages, but… “ Open” editing Often various words within a page will each link to pages representing and adding value to that word Very “organic” in nature Do you see why librarians, as a profession, are scared by wikis?

7. Wiki Challenges Training or strong instructions needed to participate Not as hard as coding a web page but not as simple as just adding text either – especially to utilize the extra value that can be realized Spam or destructive behaviors High level of trust in participants needed High level of trust in content may be needed

8. Wiki Examples See http://www.squidoo.com/library2point0/