Learning 2.0 Week 5 - Wilis

Wikis, and especially Wikipedia, are information post that are created and maintained by contributors who have an interest in the subject posted as a wiki. Wilis cover an array of subjects and interests, and many of these are library related. A public library service, like the one I work at in Hornsby, can use wikis in many different areas.
The first would be to outline the library's own procedural manual that are used within the library. From borrowing conditions, fees and charges, joining, using electronic equipment like computers, printers, photocopiers, and self-check machines.
the library's wiki can highlight any changes and developments, from changes to borrowing rules, fees and charges, or building changes. A good example would have been Hornsby library's own refurbishment in December 2007. This could have been mentioned on our wiki for the benefit of library users.
As the library often has exhibitions and talks, these can be written about. From displays to author talks, community events, both staff and library users can contribute what they thought about the event.
A page on the wiki could be set up for library users to contribute to library's wiki. This page can be used for people to write their views or criticism about the library. This would be an open contribution by users.
Hornsby public library has an extensive local history and family section, and a page could be set up for this for all library users interested in this area. Users could contribute new information on range of topics concerning the local history of the area.
Lastly, Hornsby library and its branches run a number of book groups. These groups can have pages set up where they can contribute views on books they have read or are currently reading. They can also write a brief synopsis on the book and about the author.
A number of these contributions to the library wiki can be either closed or open models. The closed models would be the procedure manual where only library staff can contribute. The open models would be the local history, exhibitions and author talks, and the book groups.
Thus, a library wiki can have benefits in promoting the resources and activities of the library and allow library users to contribute so they feel a degree of inclusion to the library's functioning.