Implementing Wikis at Lincoln Lab
January 26, 2008
As I mentioned in a previous post, the library at Lincoln Laboratory uses quite a bit of social software, most of the software that we have discussed in this course so far (e.g. social bookmarking, tags, RSS Feeds and blogs). One application the library does not use as much is wiki software. Lincoln Laboratory does contain an Information Services wiki that includes a link to the library. The library does not have its own wiki. I would suggest that the library develop its own wiki to serve as a gateway and entry point to the library. It could just include simple information about services, staff, news, programs, and possibly some links to frequently used reference sources. I would include links to all of the other software applications that the library users to deliver its information. The library does have its own committee, and the wiki could include information and links concerning its members and meeting minutes. The wiki would also include surveys directed toward the library users, as a way of collected feedback about services and how the staff could improve them.
In order to put these ideas into practice, the library staff would have to address this proposal at its monthly meetings. If everyone agreed to this undertaking, then at least one member of the library staff would have to maintain the wiki to keep the information current and make sure the links work properly. It would also be useful to have a separate survey pertaining to the wiki only; this way, the library staff could receive feedback on it effectiveness, and assess whether or not it is worth maintaining.
