Thing #15

I was really surprised to find out wikis have been around since 1995, and we're just now hearing about them! I first thought this was something "other people" would find useful, but I'm seeing so many neat applications for wikis. I think it would be fun to have collaborative projects occuring on wikis, ranging from collection development lists, alert lists of series & sequel books coming out, creation of pathfinders between the librarian and teacher or interdisciplinary groups, warnings of books with complaints or challenges, manga and other book clubs, book reviews, and so on. The possiblities are endless. (I think our middle school group could do this so our "new mommy" can keep up with, and contribute to, the big jobs that will await her upon her return from maternity leave.)

At first, I was one of those who were afraid and distrusting of Wikipedia because of the editing opportunities. Now I just use it as a springboard for general background information and keep the author possibilities in mind. Most teachers still don't allow Wikipedia to be used as a formal source in research projects but they DO encourage students to peruse it.

I was pleased and not surprised to see our district's policies and procedures manual for library services in the sources to review. Perhaps my library pamphlet can be done in wiki form as well. I don't think I'd want it edited, but I would appreciate suggestions and comments about policies and programs in my library. The visually pleasing images that can be added to wikis will make it more stimulating and interesting for my students, too. That would be an engaging way to take care of library orientation at the school year's beginning. Language arts teachers (or the librarian) could review this wiki in the classroom and then bring the students to the library for the physical tour.

Wikis....so many options!