Wiki’s seem like a really useful way to stay connected and gain input from a lot of different sources. The fact that anyone can edit the page creates a unique way to share information, unlike through email where people cannot really have a central location for ideas and information. So, clearly this is a great way for libraries to communicate within the staff and with the community on library information.
I looked at a bunch of different wikis and the one that one that I liked the most was the Book Lovers Wiki on the Learning 2.0 page. Before this assignment I had not really considered that libraries could use wikis for user book reviews. In one of the discovery resources it used Amazon.com as an example of a site that allows book and quality reviews, so why couldn’t libraries do the same. It really gives people the opportunity to see book reviews before they even step foot in the library. Instead of going and seeing a display of recommendations from the staff, patrons are able to get more feedback on titles they are interested in and even titles they never would have giving a second glance to. I was even able to use the Book Lovers Wiki to get some great reviews and recommendations for books I have had on my reading list for years.
Cheers
I agree with you that using wikis for reviewing books on library sites seems like a really good idea. I feel as if staff recommendations may be a little intimidating to many patrons. Or they might just ignore the staff recommendations altogether. But if people can see reviews written by others of similar age and background, this might motivate them to take out a book they might never have considered before. I also really enjoying that Book Lovers Wiki.
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