Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Reluctant Wiki-er, Thing #16

Well, I am sure you could tell a few posts ago that I wasn't too thrilled about the whole wiki thing. I mean, we have discussion boards and we have other collaborative web things, and I just figured that a wiki would be more of the same: clunky to use, challenging to keep up, short-lived novelty, etc.

I'm starting to think maybe I was wrong! I know, I know, it seems impossible (hmm, I guess you're all thinking that what is impossible is that I'll actually admit I'm wrong - me being wrong is fairly normal?) I finally had time to watch the little vid clips that the L&P team provide on their blog, and I think they might be right - Wikis are cool!

What I'm thinking about wikis:
  • Someone on my branch staff had suggested a month ago that we should start a local history blog for the Linden Community. I'm thinking, now, that a wiki would be more functional and use-able. It would be great to get local folks contributing as well as library staff. I'd love to make/post some video footage of interviews with community elders!
  • A Wiki would make it much easier to handle things like the Ready to Read Ambassador organization. We just need to figure out how to make/use a calendar in it.
  • Sharepoint kind of sucks (I've always found it clunky), and a wiki would be easier to keep up with.
  • I'm still convinced that a wiki is only as valuable and as strong as the people involved in it's writing.

2 comments:

Gerald Schwab said...

Wikis have there place, you're right.

Sharepoint isn't my favorite either. Too many downloads/uploads required but I like the announcement feature.

Wikis ARE as strong as the writers. Perfectly said!

Jim Brochowski said...

You make a great point. For many things you only get out of it what you put into it. Sadly, I think we see this a lot at the library every day.