For my final post, I’d like to showcase some great examples of public libraries putting wikis into action...
Bull Run Public Library Wiki
http://bullrunlibrary.pbworks.com/
This is a great example of a library using a PBWiki to create an informative site all about their library and its programs. From what I can tell, it looks like this library belongs to a larger library system which has a website, but they had no website of their own. A PBWiki was an excellent choice for quickly and easily creating their own personal webpage.
On the front page, the Bull Run Public Library Wiki has pictures of the library, the library’s hours, details about upcoming book sales, current displays and upcoming programs, and even an embedded WorldCat search bar and an embedded video explaining RSS feeds. On the sidebar there’s a link to an inclusive calendar, and links to pages with information about programs for specific groups such as Adults, Young Adults, and Children. Since so much of the programming information is time sensitive, a wiki is ideal for easily being able to make edits to this information. Nice job, Bull Run.
St. Joseph County Public Library's Subject Guides
http://www.libraryforlife.org/subjectguides/index.php/Main_Page
At first when I saw this wiki, I thought it had something to do with explaining the Dewey Decimal System for patrons, but it’s much more than that. The librarians at St. Joseph County Public Library set up this MediaWiki wiki to provide patrons with, “locally focused information and services to help you find the information you need and want.” Basically, the Subject Guides are resource guides for subjects commonly of interest to this particular library’s patrons, with a focus on local library and community resources. To check out an example, under the “Cooking” subject guide you’ll find a list of the library’s cooking magazine subscriptions, a list of books on starting a career in cooking, links to the local farm market and local cooking classes, recipe sites, and even a staff picked “Recipe of the Month.” Other subject guides include those for Jobs, Legal Information, Local Authors, Community Organizations, Homework Help, Local News, and Arts and Entertainment. The librarians here have really done a nice job of pooling all their information and resources about popular patron topics into one place. A perfect way to use a wiki!
Princeton Public Library’s Book Lovers Wiki
http://booklovers.pbworks.com/Princeton%20Public%20Library
The Princeton Public Library created a unique and interesting use of a PBWiki. The Library was doing an Adult Summer Reading Club, which consisted of adult patrons writing reviews of books they read over the summer. At the end of the summer the reviews were entered in a raffle and the winners drawn received prizes. The librarians here thought it would be a wonderful idea to share all the book reviews they were receiving by posting them online for other patrons to view. A wiki works perfect for a project like this! On the front page the librarians posted a “Featured Review” which they periodically changed. On the sidebar they have an index organizing the reviews by genre like, “Chic Lit” or “Contemporary Fiction,” as well as categories like, “5 Star Review” or “Staff Picks.” These librarians honed in on a an excellent way to use a wiki. Not only were patrons able to share information about books with each other, but it was probably also thrilling to see their reviews posted online. Good idea, Princeton!
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