Wiki Watching

I love wiki's I think the collaborative functions are great for libraries.

Possible applications would include

• a wiki by children's services staff relating to common storytime themes
• or a wiki for HSC English relating to area of study - with examples of what is in the curriculum and possible readinga that reflect the different themes (actually i have started one of these - but it is currently on hiatus due to the area of study changing this year)

I admit I advise students not use Wikipedia for thesir assignments as if they have to double check a source they don't have time to use it. Online Encyclopeadia Brittanica is a great alternative if the library subscribes. I loved the article from info today suggesting academics reclaim Wikipedia - its obviously not going anywhere, and i admit I use it for up to date information at time or as a jumping off point.

For inhouse wikis, sharepoint is an excellent package. It allows a library (or council) to have a wiki to share information, start groups, see the calendar of colleagues, start a blog (and more!) all with the security of it being internal to the organisation.

Back on board

Alright, its been a long time between posts. I have the excellent excuse that I have been on leave and gallavanting around Vietnam.

Enough of the boasting. RSS feeds.

I started using bloglines after a State Lib. rep came out to our library to teach NSW.net databases. Excellent! Now I thought now I can monitor everything from one site!

Whilst searching for a house last year I was able to use an RSS feed to monitor properties of interest. I can check my favourite SMH blogs and see what others are ranting about.

In libraryland I can check out what is happening in alt teen services or find out whats the buzz is about different technologies. This was great while I was still studying, but i find recently that I don't log in as much.

As yet I haven't integrated bloglines into my daily routine. My laptop crashed a few months ago and as a result I've weened myself off spending quite so much time on the net. The great thing about bloglines however, is that I don't need to check it regularly, by checking once every few weeks I can find out if there are any recent posts without having to trawl the Internet for hours.