1. Ohio University Libraries Wikis in the Classroom: Powerful Tools for Library Instruction Chad F. Boeninger LibraryVoice.com Computers in Libraries March 23, 2006

2. Ohio University Libraries Library Instruction Goals Teach tools to accomplish a project Teach research/information literacy concepts Begin a relationship and dialogue between the librarian and students

3. Ohio University Libraries Library Instruction Challenges Most classes are 50 minutes Teach about 300-500 business students each quarter (15-20 classes) College of Business has 1700 students Penetration of library instruction in the curriculum is spotty I’m only one person

4. Ohio University Libraries More Challenges Front-loaded instruction may not be relevant later in the term or academic career Variety of projects means instruction must be scalable Location of instruction can vary Class requests may be spur of the moment

5. Ohio University Libraries Traditional Research Guides Research guide = subject guide = pathfinder Popular method of disseminating library information/complementing instruction Previously had 3 research guides Business Research Guide International Business Research Guide Marketing Research Guide

6. Ohio University Libraries Limitations of Research Guides Redundancy of resources No interlinking Multiple edits of the same content Not searchable No way to measure use Timely updates are difficult

7. Ohio University Libraries What is a Wiki? A website in which content can be created and edited by a community of users Best example is Wikipedia Strength of the resource is often dependent on the strength of the community

8. Ohio University Libraries The Biz Wiki Organized by topic Browse by category or alphabet Searchable by keyword Users can edit/add content Interlinked articles allow for increased access to information http://www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/bizwiki/

9. Ohio University Libraries Teaching with a Wiki Wikis make excellent teaching tools Replace class handouts Example: Doing Business In Another Country Industry Research Basics

10. Ohio University Libraries Biz Wiki Content Point to the best tools with “nuggets” of information literacy concepts Content can be a guide for general or more specific topics Wikis support keyword to subject heading concepts

11. Ohio University Libraries Wikis are Flexible Learning raises more questions Wikis offer the flexibility to address questions when needed Content is easy to edit/update New/updated content is available immediately

12. Ohio University Libraries Wikis Are Fast

13. Ohio University Libraries Wikis Are Fast 1.Email question from patron 2.Respond to patron 3.Similar question via IM 4.Use content of previous question to create wiki articlewiki article 5.Answer is out of email and on the web 6.Would not be as easy with a handout Reference Email Answer Email IM Question Wiki Article

14. Ohio University Libraries Wikis Build Community Frequent updates help to maintain dialogue with students Wikis have feedback mechanisms Potential for building/strengthening community of researchers

15. Ohio University Libraries Why a Wiki? Wikis are fast Wikis are scalable Wikis can make the librarian’s job easier Wikis can make the librarian more available Wikis can contribute to the learning community

16. Ohio University Libraries Questions??