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University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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!)

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University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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  1. 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 CostelloDarcy Del Bosque

  2. Wikis and Libraries • Wikis are collaborative (Librarians are too!) • Improve information sharing (Kai-Wah Chu, 2009) • Knowledge management

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Avoiding Pitfalls 10 Best Practices for Implementing a Staff Wiki

  7. #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

  8. #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

  9. #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

  10. #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

  11. #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

  12. #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

  13. #7: Involve Staff in the Change Involve everyone in all phases of implementation Keep staff involved Maintain communication Try to get staff buy-in early in the process Continue to encourage wiki use Best Practices

  14. #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

  15. #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

  16. #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

  17. 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!!

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