An Exploratory Study on the Use of Wikis in Libraries

The term Web 2.0 has been adopted by a growing group of libraries, librarians and information professionals to recalibrate the processes and the paradigms of the library and information services. This new model of library is all about amalgamation of – Ajax, Apollo, Web Standards, User Centric Design, RSS, Blogs, Wikis, Mashups, Tagging, and Folksonomies and so on into library and information services. Web 2.0 is not just a technology or a thing but a new paradigm and state of mind. The heart of Web 2.0 is user-centered change. It is a model that encourages constant and purposeful change, inviting user participation.

Libraries have just begun to utilize new interactive technologies, though in a fairly limited sense. Library users, however, are already adopting and making use of technologies that libraries should also be examining and adopting. For example, Wikis are becoming increasingly popular tools in a variety of arenas.

The term ‘wiki’ is commonly used to describe a set of interconnected web pages that can be edited by multiple users on the Internet. As described by Louridas however, the term also refers to the software that enables this open editing and the philosophy surrounding how users edit information.

The objectives of the study are:

1. To understand the purpose of wikis on library web sites.

2. To note the extent of use of wikis on library web sites throughout the world.

3. To know the benefits of wiki software in the library environment.

4. To know how wikis can be integrated in the library environment.

5. To analyze the development of a wiki in the context of data currency, and frequently changing information so that they could be particularly beneficial for subject guides, reading lists and discussion groups, conferences, information on news and or other events

In my analysis part, I tabulated the data collected into following tables based on the significance of those data.

1. Libraries and their links

2. Catagories of Libraries

3. Libraries and their Location

4. Contry wise distribution of Libraries

5. Distribution of libraries according to wiki forms

6. Number of postings in PBWiki

7. Purpose of Library wiki websites

8. Editing Frequency of PBWiki

Findings

Some interesting facts were found based on the study.

Use of wikis in developed countries is more compared to developing countries and situation is worse in regions Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Some barriers I found during my study in the use of wikis in libraries is the unfamiliarity of library professional and they are afraid of extra work which is big obstruction in the application of technology in libraries.

Conclusion

Contribution of this dissertation will particularly be important for the wiki research community. This study will provide empirical evidence on the use of libraries and information centers, which has been noted as one of the most common work activities supported by the use of wikis. In addition, the study may also provide empirical evidence for all positive claims about wiki technology such as its simplicity, ease of use, and support for information sharing.