1. From Forgotten Intranet to Successful Wiki: Best Practices for Implementing an Academic Library Staff Wiki University of Nevada, Las Vegas Kristen Costello Darcy Del Bosque Kristen Costello Darcy Del Bosque

2. Wikis and Libraries  Wikis are collaborative (Librarians are too!)  Improve information sharing (Kai-Wah Chu, 2009)  Knowledge management

3. Wiki Implementation at UNLV Libraries  Implemented in 2007  Staff Website Working Group  Overview of wikis presentation for all staff  Feedback gathered  from initial staff meeting  surveys  Library Technologies division Wiki Implementation at UNLV Libraries

4. Benefits and Challenges Benefits Challenges  Uploading documents  Remote (firewall) access issues  No built in organizational structure  Staff know to check the wiki for information  The wiki is an archive  The departments and committees with largest contributions reap the most rewards Wiki Implementation at UNLV Libraries

5. Statistics*  83% staff surveyed use the wiki  105 registered users  1, 721 total pages  840 files have been uploaded  1,974,282 page views  12,330 page edits * Data retrieved November 2, 2010 Wiki Implementation at UNLV Libraries

6. Avoiding Pitfalls

7. #1: Evaluate Your Intranet  Generate a wish list of criteria  Define and document needs and justification of change  What’s missing in your current intranet?  Which features of wiki can overcome problems with intranet? Best Practices

8. #2: Choose Your Wiki Editor Wisely  Some wiki editors are more technical and require use of wiki language  Try to use a WYSIWYG editor if your users aren’t technology savvy  Contributions increase if the wiki editor is easy to use Best Practices

9. #3: Carefully Consider Hosted vs. Locally- Installed Locally-Installed Hosted  Offers more security  Customizable  Requires local expertise  Security options may be less customized  No up-front expertise  Content could be lost if hosted server company goes out of business  Free hosted solutions may require display of advertisements Best Practices

10. #4: Create a Wiki Structure and Pre- Populate Content  Produce a basic menu to guide users  Designate one primary staff member to answer questions and fix problems  Avoid too many rules  Establish a core group of people responsible for adding content until wiki is fully adopted  Create different spaces on wiki  Committee work  Departments  Projects  User created spaces Best Practices

11. #5: Evaluate Potential Access Issues  How easy is it for staff to access the wiki?  Firewalls  Passwords  Provide clear instructions from both on-site and off-site Best Practices

12. #6: Plan for Gradual not Abrupt Change  Build extra time to allow staff to adjust to change  Create time for training, communication and evaluation to avoid unnecessary staff stress  Explain how work processes might change Best Practices

13. #7: Involve Staff in the Change Best Practices Try to get staff buy-in early in the process Involve everyone in all phases of implementation Keep staff involved Maintain communication Continue to encourage wiki use

14. #8: Training  Training is ESSENTIAL  Create a test wiki for practice and training so staff can experiment without fear  Provide online instructions for routine wiki functions  Uploading files  Creating new pages  Training doesn’t stop after initial implementation  Provide refresher training sessions  Remember to provide training for new staff Best Practices

15. #9: Evaluate, Reevaluate, and Make Needed Changes  Provide time for staff to experiment and evaluate  Fix issues that can be fixed, provide training for problems that can’t be changed  Have a designated contact person for wiki problems and suggestions  Keep up-to-date with wiki software and features Best Practices

16. #10: Try to Keep the Momentum Going  Continue to champion the use of the wiki  Get Administration to advocate for the wiki  Mandating use for committee information and meeting minutes  Acknowledge staff contributions  Highlight unique or valuable uses of wiki Best Practices

17. Conclusion  Wikis can be effective because they are flexible and simple to use Following best practices will improve your chances for a successful implementation of a staff wiki!!