About WIKIS

What is a WIKI ?

A WIKI is a website that invites anybody to create pages. Or, add content. Or, edit content.

It is like a free encyclopedia Sometimes, a WIKI is a good place to start a search. You can find the terminology & general information on a subject.

BUT, How do you know if there is bias? How do you know the author’s qualifications ? How do you know if the information is true?

An inconvenient truth is that almost any product or source will include errors. And, every writer has biases and preferences.

Vandalism can happen. Writers can change true statements to untrue statements. Not every writer on a WIKI is well-meaning or fair. For example, a writer might hate the ruler of a country and write untrue things about him.

People who like WIKIs say that the community of users can catch errors and bias and correct them. But, there is no guarantee that what is written in a WIKI is true.

Wikipedia tries to make sure the content is true. Sometimes you see these words: “The neutrality of this section is disputed.” Sometimes you see these words: “Editing disabled because of vandalism.”

Wikipedia states that “content must be verifiable and must not violate copyright.” Sometimes Wikipedia says, “This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.”

Sometimes you see : “This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards.” Wikipedia invites readers to help.

Wikipedia asks the readers, “Please help improve this article or section by expanding it.” So, you know that this is probably not the best source of information.

Should we use a WIKI or not ? A WIKI should not be your only source or your primary source of information.

As with anything on the Internet, you must be careful. Try to tell the difference between facts, opinions, partial lies and complete lies.

To conclude, sometimes it is OK to use a WIKI at the beginning of your research to find out some general information. But, a WIKI is not a substitute for all the wonderful books and resources in your library.

 We hope this helps you understand WIKIs. Ask your teacher or your friendly librarian if you have any questions. HAPPY READING !