Wikis - the more the merrier...
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| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Wikipedia_icons |
Wikis is another important Web 2.0 application. "A wiki is a collaborative web site containing information created by its users" (Hoffman and Rumsey, 2008, p. 77). The users all contribute together to a website.
Libraries can benefit from wikis. Firstly, libraries can create their own staff wiki. Staff would be able to participate and add ideas or suggestions. For example, if a library needs to decide what books to purchase for the Young Adults section; staff can come together and collaborate. When people come together in a group - more ideas and suggestions are exchanged. Knowledge is exchanged and created! Secondly, librarians and managers can create a wiki page to 'brainstorm' or to discuss important library management and development issues. Thirdly and most importantly, the library can create a wiki for library patrons. Library patrons would be able to participate and share their ideas or suggestions. For example, books that need to be acquired, new services that would be welcomed at the library and/or any other relevant comments.
By collaborating in a coherent manner, managers, librarians, staff and patrons will be able to share ideas, services and activities. When people are more involved in everyday life activities and knowledge; they learn, grow and understand. In the 21st Century social interaction is very important. Also, to be able to keep up with the social networking applications, libraries should welcome new technologies in their libraries.
Reference
Hoffman, M., & Rumsey, M. (2008). International and foreign legal research: A coursebook. Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers.
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