Wikipedia: If you can't beat them you may as well join them.
A few years ago most self-respecting library types scoffed at Wikipedia.How could anyone rely on the so-called information in this would-be encyclopaedia, compiled and edited by the great unwashed?
Fast forward to 2013. Wikipedia has profoundly changed the way most people get information.
Less so for reference librarians, but even information professionals use it too.
An article on the website of Syracuse University - School of Infomation Studies:
"Is Wikipedia Replacing Libraries? A Response to Wikipedia Redefining Research",
is an informative contribution to the debate and contains some interesting statistics.
e.g. Wikipedia has on average 3.6 mistakes per article. Sounds a lot except that the figure for the Encyclopaedia Britannica is 2.82 mistakes per article.
Libraries are starting to take advantage of the popularity of Wikipedia.
Some libraries are starting to use Wikipedia as a way to disseminate information which may otherwise have remained within the library.
On 24 April The BBC reported that:
"The National Library of Scotland has announced plans to recruit a full-time "Wikipedian".
- will involve using the library's collections to update the online user-led encyclopaedia.
The library said its "Wikipedian-in-residence" would also teach staff and the public how to add to the site....Wikipedia is one of the most-used websites in the world. It estimates that is has about 500 million readers worldwide.....Gill Hamilton, digital access manager, said the library had decided to embrace the website in order to give access to knowledge to the largest possible audience."
Reference Trainees and the DD Critters
Reference Trainees come along for a 12 or 6 month period and spend some of that time enjoying mastering document delivery/interlibrary loans. Lisa's fantastic legacy of the painted trolley has gathered a few companions. DD Duck courtesy of Melissa, Mini Barbie from Debbie, Wise Owl from Paul, DD Dog from Alison. Cathy and Meagan do you see the need for a tree of some sort? Maybe applique?
Thanks Max for your camera skills, and everyone for making a brighter work space. Heaps better than boring beige. DD Di.
Virtual Library Launched in a Philadelphia Train Station
Pictures and story here:http://www.the-digital-reader.com/2013/04/05/virtual-library-launched-in-a-philadelphia-train-station
I can even see this sort of approach working in the library. A wall of book covers from Overdrive with QR codes to the record. Perhaps some instructions on using eBooks via the Overdrive App or even help from staff?
What do you think?
Martin
Interest in Pinterest
'Pinterest is a content sharing service that allows members to "pin" images, videos and other objects to their pinboard. A tool for collecting and organising things you love.'Join Sutherland Libraries (SuthLibraries) on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/suthlib/ to see the things your library friends love and collect. It is simply an online pinboard to collect and share what inspires you.
Some of the boards you can look through include: Create; Educate; Illustrate; Incubate; Accelerate; Motivate; Literate; Venerate; Investigate; Excavate; Rejuvenate; and Celebrate!
Feel free to browse and perhaps even point out the link to colleagues for them to explore.
The State Library of NSW also has an ever-growing array of boards to look at.
Enjoy!
Cathy - Ref. Trainee
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
No comments :
Post a Comment