It's a Wiki Wiki World

An introduction to wikis is provided, the different software is overviewed, how one medical library is using its wiki as an organizational knowledgebase is highlighted, and several ways a medical library may enable patrons to utilize wikis are proposed.

Abstract

SUMMARY SUMMARY Wikis are an excellent way of sharing information and facilitating teamwork and communication in a library. Wikis enable library staff to collectively contribute, edit, and comment on a Web site and can be implemented in a variety of ways. Internally, a wiki can serve as an institutional knowledgebase or repository. Publicly, a wiki can be an online version of a journal or book club, an interactive resource guide, or a space where certain user groups can share thoughts and suggestions about a common experience or project. This article will provide an introduction to wikis, overview the different software, highlight how one medical library is using its wiki as an organizational knowledgebase, and propose several ways a medical library may enable patrons to utilize wikis. Key Words: Wikissocial softwaremedical librariescommunicationteamworkLibrary 2.0staff training