1. Library Website 2.0: Integrating Wiki Software to Enhance Content of the Library's Website Justin Robertson, MLIS, AHIP Judy Burnham, MLS, AHIP Jie Li, MLS, AHIP Ellen Sayed, MLS, AHIP Biomedical Library / University of South Alabama / Mobile, AL

2. What is Web 2.0? Web 2.0 is the term given to describe a second generation of the World Wide Web that is focused on the ability for people to collaborate and share information online. Web 2.0 basically refers to the transition from static HTML Web pages to a more dynamic Web that is more organized and is based on serving Web applications to users. Other improved functionality of Web 2.0 includes open communication with an emphasis on Web-based communities of users, and more open sharing of information. (from Webopedia www.webopedia.com)World Wide WebHTMLWeb pagesserving Web applications Blogs (Web Logs) Social Networking Sites (i.e. Facebook, MySpace) Wikis Some Web 2.0 technologies:

3. Where to go…with Web 2.0? Should library create new Web 2.0 resources or reformat existing, static html pages? What technologies would best suit the library and its users What didnt work for us – BLOGS What may work for us – a Wiki

4. Why a Wiki? Collaborative Increased input More scrutiny Increased visibility Hot tech factor

5. What is a Wiki? A wiki is a website that allows visitors to add, remove, edit and change content, typically without the need for registration. It also allows for linking among any number of pages. This ease of interaction and operation makes a wiki an effective tool for mass collaborative authoring.websiteeditlinkingcollaborative authoring Wiki characteristics: - Collaborative Authoring -Open editing -Easy linking -Always a work in progress

7. Original Medical Specialties/Subject Page

8. Medical Specialties: Cardiology

9. Problems & Issues Depends individual work load Infrequent updating Generally just check for bad links – no new content added Pages not double-checked for errors Only one individual responsible for multiple pages with multiple links

10. Comparing Wiki Software Use free wiki service or purchase software? If free which one to choose Characteristics of different wikis Ease of use Flexibility

11. Popular (free) Wiki Software

12. Site hosted for free No limits on number of pages, forums capacity, number of users or bandwidth. No ads Private or public wikis Extensibility (videos, music, podcasts etc.) – currently 100MB per Forum for each Site Private messaging for registered users RSS export Easy content categorization (tag clouds, structured site maps). Administrator Custom themes Secure login Why ?

13. Wikidot.com

16. Medical Matters: Cardiology

17. Wikidot editing…

18. Conclusions Use technology that suits institutions needs New tech only helpful if used by patrons Wikis collect information – from multiple resources (in this case people) More input = more information More input (also) = more errors Must oversee with care Perhaps Web 2.0s most relevant feature for the future of the virtual library.