Library Department Wiki

Goal: Recognizing that as librarians we should be modeling new technologies, and recognizing that email is not the most efficient way to disseminate information or coordinate a group’s efforts and activities, my goal is to create a wiki for our library department.  The purpose of this wiki will be to share, coordinate and disseminate meeting information and other “housekeeping tasks”, standards, articles of interest, etc….

Tools:  PBWiki. Wiki software geared towards educators that includes no ads, and Word-like editing capabilities.

Steps to Accomplish Goal:

• Become familiar with Wikis in general and PBWiki specifically
• Register for the Wiki on PBWiki
• Develop Wiki content
• Design Wiki
• Professional development for department staff users

   

Challenges:

• Overcoming the “beyond the basics” knowledge of Wikis- feeling comfortable at the higher/more complex stage of editing and formatting
• Helping department members to accept this as a more desirable means of communication

   

Follow Up:

• Maintain department Wiki on a regular and consistent basis.  This may require a regular weekly block of time set aside to work on this project- in addition to changes on an as needed basis 
• Obtain feedback from users regarding the effectiveness and usefulness of this method of communication, provide additional training/support as needed