Wikis

Gotta love that name--Wiki! Such a fun name must mean a fun technology. Wikis are a great way to get up-to-date information as opposed to waiting for yearly (and expensive) encyclopedia updates. They also are a great way for people to collaborate over a distance, just like Stef and Beth can do for Project Play. One great library use would be for a community events page. Wouldn't it be great to have a go-to page for all events, school and community? Think of how non-profit groups could keep information up-to-date and accessible to all. Families would appreciate a one-spot place to find things to do. Libraries and community groups could work together to promote each other. Sounds like a win-win situation.

There is always the danger of misinformation on a wiki. How expert are the posters on a particular subject? Will someone edit something I posted, and change it for the worst? There are a few drawbacks, but not enough to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Wikis are another way to help our patrons have access to the information they need, and for patrons to get us information we need.

Tagging

After hearing the term for many months now, I am happy to say that I finally know what del.icio.us is! Thank you for adding the wonderful Common Craft videos to the Project Play lessons; the clips explain these new concepts so well. I like the idea of having all my favorite websites together on a separate website. It seems like sites saved to "Favorites" can get easily lost or not available on the computer I am currently using. How convenient to have my list on the web where I can access it anytime and anyplace.

The concept of tagging is great for libraries. How many times have I been looking for information on a subject and didn't quite know the correct subject heading? How many times have our patrons struggled the very same way? Tags allow patrons to find information in a way that makes sense to them, and libraries are all about access to information. I think patrons with children will have better luck with a tag of "manners" rather than trying to figure out "conduct of life" as a subject heading (yes, I've been there!). Anything we can do to help our patrons find the information they need is anything but unsettling. Bring tagging on!