from forgotten intranet to successful wiki: best practices for implementing an academic library...
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From Forgotten Intranet to Successful Wiki: Best Practices for Implementing an Academic Library Staff Wiki. Kristen Costello Darcy Del Bosque. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Kristen Costello Darcy Del Bosque. Wikis and Libraries. Wikis are collaborative (Librarians are too!) - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
From Forgotten Intranet to Successful Wiki: Best Practices for Implementing an
Academic Library Staff Wiki
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Kristen CostelloDarcy Del Bosque
Kristen CostelloDarcy Del Bosque
Wikis and Libraries Wikis are collaborative (Librarians are too!) Improve information sharing (Kai-Wah Chu,
2009) Knowledge management
Wiki Implementation at UNLV Libraries Implemented in 2007 Staff Website Working Group Overview of wikis presentation for all staff Feedback gathered
from initial staff meeting surveys Library Technologies division
Wiki Implementation at UNLV Libraries
Benefits and Challenges
Benefits Challenges Uploading
documents Remote (firewall)
access issues No built in
organizational structure
Staff know to check the wiki for information
The wiki is an archive The departments and
committees with largest contributions reap the most rewards
Wiki Implementation at UNLV Libraries
Statistics* 83% staff surveyed use the wiki 105 registered users 1, 721 total pages 840 files have been uploaded 1,974,282 page views 12,330 page edits
*Data retrieved November 2, 2010
Wiki Implementation at UNLV Libraries
Avoiding Pitfalls
BEST PRACTICES
FOR IMPLEMENTING A
STAFF WIKI
10
#1: Evaluate Your Intranet Generate a wish list of criteria Define and document needs and justification
of change What’s missing in your current intranet? Which features of wiki can overcome problems
with intranet?
Best Practices
#2: Choose Your Wiki Editor Wisely Some wiki editors are more technical and
require use of wiki language Try to use a WYSIWYG editor if your users
aren’t technology savvy Contributions increase if the wiki editor is easy
to use
Best Practices
#3: Carefully Consider Hosted vs. Locally-Installed
Locally-Installed Hosted Offers more security Customizable Requires local
expertise
Security options may be less customized
No up-front expertise Content could be lost
if hosted server company goes out of business
Free hosted solutions may require display of advertisements
Best Practices
#4: Create a Wiki Structure and Pre-Populate Content Produce a basic menu to guide users Designate one primary staff member to
answer questions and fix problems Avoid too many rules Establish a core group of people responsible
for adding content until wiki is fully adopted Create different spaces on wiki
Committee work Departments Projects User created spaces
Best Practices
#5: Evaluate Potential Access Issues How easy is it for staff to access the wiki?
Firewalls Passwords
Provide clear instructions from both on-site and off-site
Best Practices
#6: Plan for Gradual not Abrupt Change Build extra time to allow staff to adjust to
change Create time for training, communication and
evaluation to avoid unnecessary staff stress Explain how work processes might change
Best Practices
#7: Involve Staff in the Change
Best Practices
Try to get staff buy-in early in the
process
Involve everyone in all phases of implementation
Keep staff involvedMaintain
communication
Continue to encourage wiki
use
#8: Training Training is ESSENTIAL Create a test wiki for practice and training so
staff can experiment without fear Provide online instructions for routine wiki
functions Uploading files Creating new pages
Training doesn’t stop after initial implementation Provide refresher training sessions Remember to provide training for new staff
Best Practices
#9: Evaluate, Reevaluate, and Make Needed Changes Provide time for staff to experiment and
evaluate Fix issues that can be fixed, provide training
for problems that can’t be changed Have a designated contact person for wiki
problems and suggestions Keep up-to-date with wiki software and
features
Best Practices
#10: Try to Keep the Momentum Going Continue to champion the use of the wiki Get Administration to advocate for the wiki Mandating use for committee information and
meeting minutes Acknowledge staff contributions Highlight unique or valuable uses of wiki
Best Practices
Conclusion Wikis can be effective because they are
flexible and simple to use
Following best practices will improve your chances for a successful implementation of a staff wiki!!