Wikis

A wiki is a type of website that allows users to easily add, remove, or otherwise edit and change most available content. This ease of interaction and operation makes a wiki an effective tool for collaborative writing. Wiki is a free website that is easy to create, easy to edit and easy to share with others.

Librarians can create a research guide, add content and publish the guide from any computer with an internet connection. Changes can be made from the reference desk, office, from home, or on the road. These changes are immediate and available instantly for users. The most immediate benefit, for both patrons and librarians, is the ease and quickness with which the website can be updated.

Wiki page can be used as a staff home page to store all manner of information. It would be ideal for coordinating social or similar events within the workplace or more broadly amongst other libraries.

It would be very useful to recommend creating a wiki for committee or task-force groups, the page could be used to post minutes or create agendas. Using a wiki page in this way would allow all participants to contribute information and ideas.

I believe that wiki’s are indeed useful in a team environment. With the appropriate monitoring and use they can become a very valuable resource.