Alison Hinderliter wrote: "We're thinking about getting a wiki* to be created and used by our reference staff so that the staff can share current information and add to the general knowledgebase at the Library. Has any other shop out there tried this approach, and if so, what software have you decided to use? I know there is shareware out there as well as subscription software (like jotspot), and I'm wondering what the advantages are of paying for a wiki as opposed to adapting shareware." ________ Using wiki technology as a way to share knowledge internally is an approach that several newspaper and magazine research departments have already adopted. In fact, a session at the recent annual conference of the Special Libraries Association's News Division covered this very topic. I attended this session, and here at the Sporting News, we are about to begin using wikis in this fashion. As a first step, I would suggest that you visit the Wikipedia itself. Its article on wiki technology includes an enormous chart comparing and contrasting many different varieties of wiki software. I found this chart very helpful. Next, you should consult with your own IT people. The fact is that, irrespective of what software might appeal to you, the package you choose has to be compatible with your institution's operating system and with other IT requirements. Better to get IT involved earlier than later. Once IT is on board, you can then begin playing with various software products. Most have demos, and these include a "sandbox" where you can practice and play without doing damage to anything. Some may blanche at the very word "wiki," but using wikis in this way have three distinct advantages: first, they truly encourage cooperation, the best way to build a knowledge community (unless, of course, you know it all); second, they require no knowledge of HTML and very little in the way of coding; and third, they can be created very quickly (wiki, wiki). I know some news organizations that use many wikis, not just one, and they are creating them all the time! Good luck. Best, Steve Gietschier -- Steve Gietschier Senior Managing Editor, Research Sporting News 14500 S. Outer 40, Suite 300 Chesterfield, MO 63107-5781 314 485-6387 314 228-1777 FAX [log in to unmask] "No matter what happens, someone will take it too seriously." --- Dave Barry A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]>