Wikis: A Beginner’s Look

Today, You’ll learn What a wiki is How wikis are being used by individuals and a variety of organizations

What is a wiki? Software that allows people with no knowledge of HTML or other programming languages to create and/or edit a website Wiki =quick (in Hawaiian) Wiki software enables people to work collaboratively

Wiki Software Wiki software is easier to use than HTML code But, there is still a learning curve Many different programs to choose from

WikisWikis v.s. BlogsBlogs Wikis Wikis allow many contributors to add or edit wiki content No specific organization (hyperlinks) Perpetual work in progress Ideal for collaborative work Blogs Only the author can edit blog (others post comments) Posts are permanent and the person owns the post Specific organization (reverse chronological) Good for information sharing/starting a discussion

Wiki Software Who decides who can make changes to wiki content? –This decision varies depending on the type of wiki. Three types of wikis –Private –Restricted –Public

Private Wikis Private wikis are most often used for internal communications within a company or organization. Only those who are authorized by the administrator can even view the wiki, let alone edit it.

Protected Wikis Protected wikis are visible to the general public but can only be changed by authorized users. –Most wikis have an administrator (or wikimaster) who decides who can edit, add, or delete information. –The wikimaster also identifies best practices and guidelines for contributors in an effort to ensure the quality of information.

Public Wikis Public wikis invite an active and engaged community of users to contribute and edit content –Public wikis like Wikipedia allow anyone on the Internet to view, create, and edit content.Wikipedia –Other public wikis require you to create an account before you can alter content.

Why Wiki Easy to use –Web-based –Simple software commands Anyone can make changes Flexible and easy to add content to Harness collective intelligence!

Why not wiki? Vandalism and spam Disorganized Too open/ not enough control of content

How Libraries Use Wikis Subject guide wiki Wiki online manuals Wiki as a website Wiki as courseware

Subject Guide

Wiki Staff Manual support_wiki/

Wiki Website

Wiki as courseware

Community Wiki

Wikis to Explore General Interest Wikipedia Ebay Campaigns Wikipedia Wikia Wikia RocWiki: the People’s Guide to Rochester Flu Wiki Resume Wiki: Community Edited Resumes