wikis

I remember a college assignment that required the creation of a mind-map. Once students got past worrying about whether they were doing it “right” or “wrong”, it was actually pretty fun to create. Mind-mapping can be a useful tool, because it helps us see the forest - the big picture - the macro-view. It’s about being aware of the connections and the inter-relatedness of things.

I think visualization tools like this can be especially useful when we’re trying to understand things that are really, really big. As many of you know, I have a strong interest in Wikipedia, the user-created online encyclopedia. I came across an amazing Wikipedia visualization this morning. I would love to see the 5′x5′ version and will probably buy the poster when it becomes available (you MUST check out that ‘buy the poster’ link - nerdy nirvana!).

Here’s something that I have been reading about that some of you may find relevant….
If you want to learn more about
* Blogs
* RSS
* Wikis
* Social Networking Software and SecondLife
* Flickr
* Social Bookmarking Software
* Selling Social Software @ Your Library
then consider applying for an upcoming free course, offered entirely online: Five Weeks to a Social Library. This is the first time this has been offered, but I have a feeling this is going to be a course with a lot of impact. The creators of the course are currently some of the most exciting thinkers in the world of library technology use.

The class will be limited to 40 participants and the intended audience is “those librarians who have the most to gain from learning about social software and who would not otherwise have access to conferences or continuing education.” The participant applications are due December 1st and you will find out by January 1st whether or not you have been selected to participate.

If any NEKLS library members apply and complete the course, I’d love to know, so I can hear all about it and also so I can interview you about the experience for a NEKLS newsletter article. Go for it!

Have you ever used a wiki? The NEKLS Tech Site is a wiki. They are a technology perfectly suited for online collaboration. Wikis are being used elsewhere in the library world, too. Library Success, for example, is a best practices wiki.

If you’re intrigued by this new-ish technology, consider attending the free SirsiDynix webinar that will be offered on July 13th. Meredith Farkas is the presenter and she’s a knowledgeable expert at the forefront of thinking about the use of wikis in libraries. I have attended other SirsiDynix webinars and have been impressed by the quality, so expect this to be well worth the time, too. It’s free, but you need to register.