People are joining together to build a new, comprehensive, general knowledge wiki encyclopedia. Most everyone is familiar with Wikipedia. Now there is Citizendium, where the aim is to build a better encyclopedia. For starters, real names are required to join and create Citizendium articles. The agreements and guidelines assure greater accuracy and authority. The community wishes to promote a "gold standard of sensible governance systems," including expert editors who review articles, as well as constables who monitor behavior but who have limited authority. Confidence in the database is further enhanced by "signed articles" from experts and academics, and the inclusion of supplementary reference materials. Spend some time reading their introductory pages and see why librarians might be happier with Citizendium than Wikipedia.
Wikis are popular for another reason -- information is organized by topic rather than date. Blogs resemble an online diary,a stream of thoughts and ideas posted in reverse chronological order. True, blogs can be keyword searched if well tagged . Wikis have an additional collaborative advantage; the body of knowledge can be easily expanded, edited and revised. A nice summary of both advantages and disadvantages of wikis is covered by PLCMC Core Competencies, a public library blog that refers the reader to a wiki defining the "core competencies" training offered by their library. Their core competencies are unique to their library staff goals. Another library organization may choose other core competency requirements and build a similar document in a collaborative effort. Building the wiki together enhances a team approach to the purposes of the project.
I hope to cover more on the topic of wikis in the near future.
Showing posts with label wikis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wikis. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Friday, November 16, 2007
Continuing Education
Since completing the 23 Things, learning about Web 2.0, I have scheduled myself for additional self-training activities. One website to keep me moving in this direction is Learning 2.1 that has been created "to support on-going discovery and learning of web 2.0 technologies." Another good website to test what's happening with new web tools is the Web 2.0 Directory.
This year I attended two days at the Internet Librarian Conference in Monterey. On Sunday, October 28th, I joined a morning session entitled "Wikis: Basics, Tools & Strategies." I came away feeling inspired and wanting to set up a trial wiki. I have yet to decide it's purpose. But when I do get focused, I'll report my experience.
That afternoon I sat in on "Tips for Effective Technology Change Agents." It did not take me too long to realize that my goal (to keep myself moving forward) was not really the focus of this session. The people were primarily seeking ways to bring change to their organization, and this was often viewed as fighting the inertia of organizations and resistance in people. However, the presenter (Roy Tennant) did have some tips that I can use in my own growth: 1) remember to visit Steven Bell's Keeping Up page* ; 2) read as often as possible in blogs, magazines and journals, and explore new websites; 3) take courses online or on site; 4) sign up for RSS updates and mailing lists. Mr. Tennant also believes in surfing in a rapid browsing mode. He used an acronym for it: SIFT. Scan (surf and skim), Investigate, Filter, Target. He also has a philosophy that it is better to learn "just in time" rather than "just in case" since things change so rapidly. In other words, it is better to wait until you need some feature or product, and then search for it and learn as you use it for what you need at that time. Learning a lot of online things "just in case" you might need them may be in vain. So, I ask myself, what about all this exploring I have planned for myself? It seems I must find a compromise -- because I do want to discover what's out there, "in case" I might find something useful to make my everyday work more efficient!
Mr. Tennant also suggested Tech Soup as a bargain resource non profit organizations. Visit the site and read: TechSoup Stock connects nonprofits and public libraries with donated and discounted technology products. Choose from over 240 products from companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Symantec. He also recommended using free and open source tools and applications whenever possible to make one's budget stretch. He added the following suggestions for creating agile organizations:
1) Use standing committees for communication.
2) Create task forces to accomplish work.
3) Use the best people for the job.
4) Reward innovation.
5) Punish loitering. (?) (I prefer re-tasking rather than punishing.)
6) Take risks.
7) Invest in infrastructure.
8) Invest in your staff. (This is what I mean by re-tasking or re-matching assignments to talents.)
An interesting approach to implementing change is to first find common purpose and goals between the public services department and the technical services unit, and then when they are in tandem, approach administration.
On Monday, October 29th, I attended a number of 45 minute sessions. My favorite, as is usual each year, was "A Super Searcher Shares 30 Search Tips." Some of the rest of the sessions have melded into a blur, but I did take notes on my laptop. (There are increasing numbers of attendees bringing laptops to sessions every year.) So, when I review those I will add to my Internet Librarian commentary in another blog entry.
*NOTE: Stephen Bell has discontinued regular postings to his "keeping up" website; however, you may follow him on Twitter for his occasional updates on new resources at http://www.twitter.com/blendedlib [17SEPT2010]
This year I attended two days at the Internet Librarian Conference in Monterey. On Sunday, October 28th, I joined a morning session entitled "Wikis: Basics, Tools & Strategies." I came away feeling inspired and wanting to set up a trial wiki. I have yet to decide it's purpose. But when I do get focused, I'll report my experience.
That afternoon I sat in on "Tips for Effective Technology Change Agents." It did not take me too long to realize that my goal (to keep myself moving forward) was not really the focus of this session. The people were primarily seeking ways to bring change to their organization, and this was often viewed as fighting the inertia of organizations and resistance in people. However, the presenter (Roy Tennant) did have some tips that I can use in my own growth: 1) remember to visit Steven Bell's Keeping Up page* ; 2) read as often as possible in blogs, magazines and journals, and explore new websites; 3) take courses online or on site; 4) sign up for RSS updates and mailing lists. Mr. Tennant also believes in surfing in a rapid browsing mode. He used an acronym for it: SIFT. Scan (surf and skim), Investigate, Filter, Target. He also has a philosophy that it is better to learn "just in time" rather than "just in case" since things change so rapidly. In other words, it is better to wait until you need some feature or product, and then search for it and learn as you use it for what you need at that time. Learning a lot of online things "just in case" you might need them may be in vain. So, I ask myself, what about all this exploring I have planned for myself? It seems I must find a compromise -- because I do want to discover what's out there, "in case" I might find something useful to make my everyday work more efficient!
Mr. Tennant also suggested Tech Soup as a bargain resource non profit organizations. Visit the site and read: TechSoup Stock connects nonprofits and public libraries with donated and discounted technology products. Choose from over 240 products from companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, and Symantec. He also recommended using free and open source tools and applications whenever possible to make one's budget stretch. He added the following suggestions for creating agile organizations:
1) Use standing committees for communication.
2) Create task forces to accomplish work.
3) Use the best people for the job.
4) Reward innovation.
5) Punish loitering. (?) (I prefer re-tasking rather than punishing.)
6) Take risks.
7) Invest in infrastructure.
8) Invest in your staff. (This is what I mean by re-tasking or re-matching assignments to talents.)
An interesting approach to implementing change is to first find common purpose and goals between the public services department and the technical services unit, and then when they are in tandem, approach administration.
On Monday, October 29th, I attended a number of 45 minute sessions. My favorite, as is usual each year, was "A Super Searcher Shares 30 Search Tips." Some of the rest of the sessions have melded into a blur, but I did take notes on my laptop. (There are increasing numbers of attendees bringing laptops to sessions every year.) So, when I review those I will add to my Internet Librarian commentary in another blog entry.
*NOTE: Stephen Bell has discontinued regular postings to his "keeping up" website; however, you may follow him on Twitter for his occasional updates on new resources at http://www.twitter.com/blendedlib [17SEPT2010]
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Learning More about Web 2.0 and Wikis
Continuing with my work on The 23 Things, I have been learning more about the different definitions librarians hold about Library 2.0. I also learned more about Wikis and completed the task of performing one edit on InfoPeople's Our 23 Web 2.0 Things wiki.
I also found a good resource for looking at new Web technology in use in other libraries. Innovative Internet Applications lists a variety of purposes or categories of service, in which new applications are being implemented to serve library users in appealing ways.
Number 15.
I read the Wikipedia article on Web 2.0 and the article called Library 2.0 and "Library 2.0" [PDF file] by Walt Crawford. I was impressed with the amount of research done by Mr. Crawford on this topic, and I felt somewhat overwhelmed with all the many viewpoints and definitions of Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and "Library 2.0" in quotes, presented as having distinct connotations. I do agree with Crawford that what he calls "the bandwagon Library 2.0" is a bit of hype and overemphasizes the many web utilities that facilitate interactivity and social exchange.
I think of Library 2.0 as simply applying some of the more useful Web 2.0 utilities that work well with our other Library platforms. Whenever the patron can interact at a greater level with our OPAC and databases, and provide feedback such as book & media purchase suggestions, write reviews, and communicate with staff or post comments on a community blog, it is worthy of our attention. Program modules that increase the public's sense of participation, while blending as seamlessly as possible with our technology platform, increase the library's usefulness and relevance to library users. In summary, I think many of the Web 2.0 applications are fun as well as effective tools; others are marginally useful. Where we can apply them to make the experience of using the library more efficient and pleasant, we should do so.
Number 16.
The Wiki I am most familiar with of course is Wikipedia. I often turn to the Wikipedia for ready reference, noting whether the references and sources are verified or still awaiting confirmation. This type of editing software is an excellent example of a Web 2.0 utility that has become very popular. It allows users to create and edit content in a Web page and allows for collaboration on a project by unlimited numbers of people -- or by selected membership. I can envision wikis being especially useful in building community resources, reference and local history information.
In my exploration of wikis I discovered that there is a competitor to Wikipedia being built, called Citizendium. I'm not immediately impressed with the name; but the purpose and extra attention to authenticity and validation of entries is commendable.
Number 17.
I visited the InfoPeople's wiki and tried my hand at editing a segment under the section "Moving Libraries Forward." Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you can see my entry entitled Library Services to Teens -- Best Practices.
I also found a good resource for looking at new Web technology in use in other libraries. Innovative Internet Applications lists a variety of purposes or categories of service, in which new applications are being implemented to serve library users in appealing ways.
Number 15.
I read the Wikipedia article on Web 2.0 and the article called Library 2.0 and "Library 2.0" [PDF file] by Walt Crawford. I was impressed with the amount of research done by Mr. Crawford on this topic, and I felt somewhat overwhelmed with all the many viewpoints and definitions of Web 2.0, Library 2.0, and "Library 2.0" in quotes, presented as having distinct connotations. I do agree with Crawford that what he calls "the bandwagon Library 2.0" is a bit of hype and overemphasizes the many web utilities that facilitate interactivity and social exchange.
I think of Library 2.0 as simply applying some of the more useful Web 2.0 utilities that work well with our other Library platforms. Whenever the patron can interact at a greater level with our OPAC and databases, and provide feedback such as book & media purchase suggestions, write reviews, and communicate with staff or post comments on a community blog, it is worthy of our attention. Program modules that increase the public's sense of participation, while blending as seamlessly as possible with our technology platform, increase the library's usefulness and relevance to library users. In summary, I think many of the Web 2.0 applications are fun as well as effective tools; others are marginally useful. Where we can apply them to make the experience of using the library more efficient and pleasant, we should do so.
Number 16.
The Wiki I am most familiar with of course is Wikipedia. I often turn to the Wikipedia for ready reference, noting whether the references and sources are verified or still awaiting confirmation. This type of editing software is an excellent example of a Web 2.0 utility that has become very popular. It allows users to create and edit content in a Web page and allows for collaboration on a project by unlimited numbers of people -- or by selected membership. I can envision wikis being especially useful in building community resources, reference and local history information.
In my exploration of wikis I discovered that there is a competitor to Wikipedia being built, called Citizendium. I'm not immediately impressed with the name; but the purpose and extra attention to authenticity and validation of entries is commendable.
Number 17.
I visited the InfoPeople's wiki and tried my hand at editing a segment under the section "Moving Libraries Forward." Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you can see my entry entitled Library Services to Teens -- Best Practices.
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