I recently contributed to my first wiki. I added my favorite book (Who has Seen the Wind) and my favorite music (currently Patrick Watson and Final Fantasy). I found it simple to use. I was even able to make links to websites of the musicians.
In her article Wikis, Laurel A. Clyde explains how wikis can be used both collaboratively and conversationally. Wikis are unique in their collaborative nature; any user can modify, add or remove information. Blogs are similar to wikis, however, when used as a back and forth conversation. One user adds information and the next responds without modifying the previous post.
Wikis would be an excellent tool in libraries. Any sort of user feedback or list making would be ideal for a library wiki. For example, patrons could share book reviews, create a wish list, or make comments about good and bad service.
Being able to collaborate on wikis is appealing. Giving who-knows-who the power to write who-knows-what is a little less so. However, I wouldn't expect intentional sabotage in a trusted group of people (eg. a library tech class wiki).
Happy wiki-ing!
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