Library Wiki

Introduction:  One of the major primary roles and responsibilities of the reference librarian at the academic institution that will incorporate the use of wikis is to provide library research instruction and answers to questions about research.  By implementing a research reference wiki, the reference librarian may eliminate answering duplicate questions about research and create a platform for students to collaborate virtually about library research.  This will also give the reference librarian additional time to devote to other duties that have been assigned due to recent budgetary cuts.

Main characteristics of Wiki

Population served: two-year junior college serving about 3,000 undergraduate students

Library Type:  Academic Library

Budget:  Limited

Goal of Wiki:  Wiki will be used in a reference capacity to collaborate with students and share answers on repeated answers to common research and reference questions.  This will allow students and reference librarians the ability to interact virtually and serve as an alternative avenue for librarian and student collaboration further promoting the library as a virtual workspace of support.

Recommended Wiki: GeniusWiki

Requirements & Features:

* Offers the ability to switch between Markup or WYSIWYG editors

* Calendar & To-do list available

* Permission controlled

* Full text with advance search options

* Backup and restore features are available

* Easy to install and upgrade (standalone version is one-click setup)

* JAVA is the programming language used

* Includes themes and skins

* Plug ins available

* Comments, attachments, drafts management, templates and keyboard shortcuts are available

* Reliable and stable

* Open source and FREE