Wiki wiki

Wiki. The word has a nice feel to it, don't you think? Quick and snappy--it vaults off the tongue. The wiki concept embodies that snappiness as well. Adaptable, flexible, updated and added to with relative ease, wikis are handy tools for libraries' internal or external use.

Among the different ways libraries are using wikis, my favorite is a library-based community wiki. This is an excellent way to provide service to a library's community and users and to put the library at a community's core. I like the collaboration and interaction apparent in the community wikis I viewed. I also like the one-stop-shopping feel found in the combination of useful information about a community and links to library resources. Community wikis that include subject guides seemed particularly useful.

At my workplace we have created a employee manual wiki. One of its best features is the ease with which changes or additions may be made.

Ah, wondrous wikis. Conferences, subject guides, project information--the possibilities presented are nearly endless, but my time for reflection, sadly, is not. One last comment. Ohio University's lit wiki impressed me with its overall appearance as well as its information and organization.

Library 2.0

We should always be looking for ways to improve, and to me the driving force behind Library 2.0 is enhancement of library services and operations. Libraries should use their mission statement as a guide and find strategic ways to use the tech available.

In some of the readings and comments I noticed anxiety about libraries incorporating web 2.0 technology and subsequently losing the personal touch of more traditional services. I don't see it as an either/or choice. Personal service should remain important, and web 2.0 simply provides additional ways to keep in touch and interact with patrons. Just as a patron with no tech experience may not look at a library's wiki or Flikr collection, another patron may prefer to interact and do initial research online.

Library 2.0 emphasizes connections between libraries and their users, and through that interaction, libraries can gain a greater grasp on what users need. I see libraries and museums as places to provide and provoke learning opportunities and exchange of ideas. Library 2.0 supports those goals.

SlideShare

I had to try SlideShare for a couple of days before the search function would work for me but found the browse function useful in the meantime. Found an interesting slideshow on social media at http://www.slideshare.net/tactica_inc/the-conversation-an-introduction-to-social-media-presentation/ and plenty of others discussing education, web 2.0, and lifelong learning. Great resource.