Week 5 - NSW Public Libraries Web 2.0

I have looked at all the suggested wikis and found those with more pictures are more interesting as I am a very visual person. I like the ideas of using wikis for sharing out information either to a select group that is spread around a region or even a state. I feel a wiki’s strength lies in servicing a target group with a particular interest and if the wiki can be done on a larger scale with a collaborative effort it would be more vibrant, larger and more useful.

A wiki could be a great way for staff to build up a collection of resources. For example Reference desk staff could create a wiki to hold answers to the most recent reference questions that have been asked. Only staff would be allowed access to this wiki but all staff could be encouraged to use the information and add information and links to the best websites on each particular topic. Computer staff could use the same format with a focus on all things technology based. As the wiki grew it could be a great tool for staff to share knowledge with co-worker where ever they maybe. The wiki would become even more powerful, vibrant and useful if it was to be shared between all the public libraries in one state and they all contributed to one instead of each library doing their own thing. I feel the key to a valuable and vibrant wiki is that it is used often with lots of input on topics that are relevant to a specific group, for example librarians.

A wiki could also be used for Family History / Local History to be shared with the whole community. The aim would be to capture the interest of the community to empower them to add content to help keep the wiki growing with new pictures and information.