Ohio University Libraries Wikis in the Classroom: Powerful Tools for Library Instruction Chad F. Boeninger LibraryVoice.com Computers in Libraries March 23, 2006

Ohio University Libraries Library Instruction Goals Teach tools to accomplish a project Teach research/information literacy concepts Begin a relationship and dialogue between the librarian and students

Ohio University Libraries Library Instruction Challenges Most classes are 50 minutes Teach about business students each quarter (15-20 classes) College of Business has 1700 students Penetration of library instruction in the curriculum is spotty I’m only one person

Ohio University Libraries More Challenges Front-loaded instruction may not be relevant later in the term or academic career Variety of projects means instruction must be scalable Location of instruction can vary Class requests may be spur of the moment

Ohio University Libraries Traditional Research Guides Research guide = subject guide = pathfinder Popular method of disseminating library information/complementing instruction Previously had 3 research guides Business Research Guide International Business Research Guide Marketing Research Guide

Ohio University Libraries Limitations of Research Guides Redundancy of resources No interlinking Multiple edits of the same content Not searchable No way to measure use Timely updates are difficult

Ohio University Libraries What is a Wiki? A website in which content can be created and edited by a community of users Best example is Wikipedia Strength of the resource is often dependent on the strength of the community

Ohio University Libraries The Biz Wiki Organized by topic Browse by category or alphabet Searchable by keyword Users can edit/add content Interlinked articles allow for increased access to information

Ohio University Libraries Teaching with a Wiki Wikis make excellent teaching tools Replace class handouts Example: Doing Business In Another Country Industry Research Basics

Ohio University Libraries Biz Wiki Content Point to the best tools with “nuggets” of information literacy concepts Content can be a guide for general or more specific topics Wikis support keyword to subject heading concepts

Ohio University Libraries Wikis are Flexible Learning raises more questions Wikis offer the flexibility to address questions when needed Content is easy to edit/update New/updated content is available immediately

Ohio University Libraries Wikis Are Fast

Ohio University Libraries Wikis Are Fast 1. question from patron 2.Respond to patron 3.Similar question via IM 4.Use content of previous question to create wiki articlewiki article 5.Answer is out of and on the web 6.Would not be as easy with a handout Reference Answer IM Question Wiki Article

Ohio University Libraries Wikis Build Community Frequent updates help to maintain dialogue with students Wikis have feedback mechanisms Potential for building/strengthening community of researchers

Ohio University Libraries Why a Wiki? Wikis are fast Wikis are scalable Wikis can make the librarian’s job easier Wikis can make the librarian more available Wikis can contribute to the learning community

Ohio University Libraries Questions??