This is a draft version for “Chu, S. (2009). Using wikis in academic libraries,
Journal of Academic Librarianship, 35(2): 170–176.”
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USING WIKIS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
SAMUEL KAI-WAH CHU
Division of Information and Technology Studies, Faculty of Education,
The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong
E-mail:samchu@hkucc.hku.hk
This is an exploratory study investigating the use of wikis in academic
libraries. Reasons for using and not using wikis, level of control exerted
on wikis users and perceived benefits and costs of using wikis are the
major areas examined. Sixty universities were selected to complete
either survey 1 or survey 2, depending on their usage of wikis at the
time the study was conducted. Telephone interviews were conducted
for those libraries from whom there were no email replies. The response
rate reached 80%. Sixteen (33.3%) used wikis for work, four (8.3%)
used wikis in experimental stages, 13 (27.1%) were potential users who
planned to use wikis and 15 (31.3%) did not plan to use wikis at all.
The advantageous features of wikis were found to be the main reasons
for their use. MediaWiki is the most commonly adopted wiki software
in university libraries, and the level of control is closely related to the
reasons for wiki use. Despite the fact that costs are incurred in creating
wikis, current users found that the benefits outweigh the costs. It is
hoped that this study can provide insights for making informed
decisions in applying wikis in academic libraries.
Introduction
The World Wide Web enables people to gain access to information easily and
conveniently,1 the inventor, Tim Berners-Lee would also like it to be an
interactive space where everyone can read and edit.2 Berners-Lee’s vision was
realized with the invention of wiki by Ward Cunningham in 1994-95.3 Given the
specific nature of wikis -- readers can edit while they read -- the popularity of
wikis skyrocketed4, 5, 6 and they are currently widely applied in different contexts,
including companies, universities and libraries.
This exploratory research effort aims at facilitating academic libraries’
decision-making on the application of wiki. A brief introduction of wiki is given,
and its advantages, as well as examples of how it is applied in various contexts,
especially in academic libraries. Interviews by survey and phone were conducted
to understand how academic libraries make use of different wikis. Implications
and suggestions on these applications are drawn from the research findings.
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Literature Review
Wiki means ‘quick’ in Hawaiian.3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 Wiki is also a piece of software
invented by Ward Cunningham in 1994-95.3, 9, 10, 11 Wiki is simple and easy to
use. Someone with no technological background would find wiki manageable
after minimal training.2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13 In The Wiki Way (2001), Cunningham14
described wiki as the simplest online database, easily editable by anyone. This
specific feature makes it different from the web by allowing readers to read and
edit simultaneously. 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 17
These features of wikis facilitate collaborative authorship, enabling
democracy in the workplace, making the act of cooperation comprehensible,
enhancing efficiency, and allowing the interlinking of pages. In enabling
everyone to edit the page, wiki facilitates cooperation in a digital environment
and eliminates the barriers of communication.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 This
open editing system enables true editorial democracy to be practiced,4, 11, 13 since
everyone’s contributions are taken into account when amendments are made.7
Without any preset structure of cooperation, users define the process among
themselves, making the dynamic development of the group intelligible.2, 7, 11 In
addition, time required for extracting changes via emails and discussion boards
can be saved, since changes can be made immediately.2, 4, 7, 11, 18, 20 Lastly, the
interlinking of related pages promotes information sharing among users.2, 21, 22
The ease of use and the open editing system of wikis allows everyone to read and
edit, placing real power in the hands of users, and enabling collaborative
authorship.
Since they possess such advantageous features, wikis are widely applied in
different contexts, such as universities, law firms and the medical sector. They
perform functions such as knowledge sharing, collaborative authoring and online
discussion. Various studies show that wikis can be useful for knowledge
sharing.4, 5, 15, 21 A study5 conducted in 2005 focusing on the use of wiki in a
knowledge management class at a graduate school of information systems and
technology found that knowledge from diverse sources such as course textbooks,
lectures and students’ experiences could be shared through the wiki. Wiki can
also be an alternative to email, supporting collaborative authorship.15, 20 Klau, a
lawyer in Naperville, Illinois, substituted wiki for email, allowing lawyers to
review, edit and post comments on projects with changes being tracked with
email alerts.20 Wiki is also used as a tool for online discussion.14 The wiki
supported by the National Geographical Society Educational Foundation, aimed
to promote collaborative problem solving among 11 geographically dispersed
middle schools. Students from participating schools were invited to give
comments on a river management policy statement drafted by a class of students
through the online discussion board in wiki.18
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Wikis are widely applied in libraries for many purposes. Although some
academics saw little use for wikis in the library context,9, 27 its applicability in
academic libraries is embraced positively as can be seen by the increasing
number of library wikis.3, 15, 17 In 2007, Bejune15 pointed out that libraries are
collaborative working environments where library staff works together with
patrons. At the same time, wikis facilitate collaboration in libraries and ‘engage
patrons in the online community’.17 This view is elaborated by Bejune,15 that
collaboration among libraries, among library staff, between library staff and
patrons as well as among patrons can be enhanced through wikis. One of the
widely reported wikis, the Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki10, 27, 28, 29 is a
one-stop website on which librarians from all over the world share their ideas and
successful projects, facilitating extra-organization collaboration among libraries.
The wiki of the Miami University Library facilitates intra-organization
collaboration by serving as a virtual information gathering place for information
desk staff, who would otherwise have little opportunity to interact due to their
around the clock working schedule.9 The St. Joseph County Public Library
(SJCPL) Subject Guides are created by the SJCPL librarians to assist library
patrons in searching for information by subjects and in discovering library
events.30 Patrons are allowed to give comments and suggestions, so the virtual
reference service is enhanced with the communication among librarians and
patrons. Another example is the Biz Wiki of the Ohio University library, a
collection of business information resources, editable by both patrons and
librarians. This research portal enhances collaboration among librarians and
patrons as well as between patrons, themselves. Clearly, the rise of digital
technology affects people’s information seeking behaviors,31 and libraries are
expected to provide more interactive electronic services in this contemporary
information-seeking world.3 Applying wikis in libraries enables information to be
read and edited by people simultaneously, facilitating the libraries’ operations
and enhancing collaboration within the profession while increasing the
involvement of the community.
While the advantages of applying wiki in academic libraries are clearly
expressed by academics and librarians, there has been limited empirical research
on its use in libraries, especially academic libraries. In view of the potential
benefits of the application of wiki for libraries, together with the lack of
empirical research on this subject, this report focuses on the various ways in
which university libraries do make use of wikis, including
1. their usage of wikis in university libraries
2. their level of control offered to wiki users
3. their reasons of using, planning to use and not using wikis and
4. their perceived benefits and costs of using wikis
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It is hoped that the research findings serve as a reference for university libraries
to draw from in making more informed decisions on the use of different wikis.
Research Method
Sample
A sample of about 60 university libraries in several regions around the world
including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and the United
States were selected. Language barrier was the main consideration in the
selection process, to ensure that answers could be clearly understood, though
clarifications were made when necessary. Because of the researchers’ familiarity
with Mandarin, Cantonese and English, the above mentioned countries were
selected.
Instruments
Two sets of surveys (see Appendix) were designed for university libraries which
were using or were not using wikis. Both open and close ended questions were
included. Interviewees were welcome to further elaborate on their answers in the
space provided.
Procedures
The research was conducted during March to April 2008. Invitations, together
with two sets of surveys, were emailed to the university libraries. Library staff
from the universities selected the appropriate set of surveys with reference to
their usage of wikis. Telephone interviews were conducted when no reply was
obtained or when clarifications were necessary. Six telephone interviews were
tape recorded and transcribed for research purposes. The transcribed interviews
and the completed surveys were integrated together for analysis. All data
collected as part of this study was reported using an alphanumeric ID number
(SP1 through SP48) to refer to each respondent.
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Findings and Discussion
Overview of the Usage of Wikis
Among the 48 university libraries responding to the surveys, 16 (33.3%) were
using wikis for work, 4 (8.3%) were experimenting with using wikis, 13 (27.1%)
were planning to use wikis, though they are not currently doing so, and 15
(31.3%) did not plan to use wikis at all (see Table 1). Since such a high percentage of
non-users of wikis planned to use them (i.e were potential users) in the future,
these findings may support the view that the number of libraries using wikis are
beginning to increase3, 12, 15, 29 as they are embracing the potential benefits of
wikis in supporting their operations.9
Table 1. Libraries’ (Lib) Usage of Wikis
No. of lib
No. of
responses
surveyed
Total
60
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48 (80%)
No. of lib using No. of lib using No. of lib not No. of lib not
wiki(s) for
wiki(s) in
using but
using and not
work
experimental planning to use planning to use
stage
wiki(s)
wiki(s)
16 (33.3%)
4 (8.3%)
13 (27.1%)
15 (31.3%)
6
Analysis of the Uses of Wikis for Work and Evaluation
Respondents were asked about their reasons for using wikis, levels of control
exerted on users in editing and viewing pages, difficulties encountered, costs
involved in creating wikis, as well as their cost and benefit analysis of their wiki
usage. The data collected is analyzed in the following sections.
Reasons for Using Wikis
Based on wikis’ positive features, four choices were developed for respondents to
choose from regarding their reasons for using wikis. In addition, the choice
‘other’ was provided to allow respondents to supply additional reasons. Fifteen
universities responded to the question. Among the four choices, enhancing
information sharing among librarians was selected by most of the libraries – the
most popular and highest-rated choice. (See Table 2). SP46 commented on wikis
positively, saying that it allows users who know something to provide answers
and assistance to those who do not. As demonstrated in Table 2, the ratings for
the remaining choices are similar. No additional reasons were given. The
uniquely positive features of wikis are evidently the major reasons for the use of
wikis in academic libraries.
Table 2. Reasons for Using Wikis (n=15)
No. of libraries
Average Rating
To facilitate the co-construction of web pages
10
3.80
To enhance information sharing among librarians
14
4.43
To archive different versions of work online
10
3.70
To speed up the updating of web pages
11
3.91
Notes:
For every choice, respondents were asked to answer according to a scale of 1-5, with 1 as ‘not helpful at all’ and
5 as ‘very helpful’.
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Levels of Control on Editing and Viewing Pages
The level of control provided to users in editing and viewing pages were found to
be related to their purpose of using wikis. In 2001, Leuf and Cunningham14
defined six types of wikis, based on the level of access for reading and editing,
ranging from ‘fully opened’ where anyone can fully access pages, ‘lockable’ with
restricted editing for some or all pages, ‘fated’ with a mix of public and restricted
pages, ‘members only,’ where access is limited to registered users, ‘firewalled,’
where access is restricted to a range of specific IP addresses, and ‘personal,’
where access is limited to specific PCs or private sites.3 Using the terms of this
definition, four types of wikis, -- private wikis, semi-private wikis, semi-open
wikis and open wikis -- were suggested for this research based on the level of
control in reading and editing. Private wikis only allow authorized registered
users to edit and view the content. Semi-private wikis allow only authorized
registered users to edit, though anyone can read. Semi-open wikis allow anyone
to register and edit, while the page is open for the public to read. Open wikis
allow anyone to edit and read the page with or without any registered account.
As demonstrated in Table 3, private wiki (50%) is the most commonly used wiki,
followed by semi-private (31.8%), open (13.6%) and semi-open wiki (4.6%). The
level of control is related to the purpose of using wiki. For some respondents,
private wiki is used mainly for internal communication such as communication
among departmental staff members (SP2 & SP16), dissemination of information
about library policies (SP16) and sensitive information requiring protection
(SP18). Less control is applied when interactions with authorized users or the
public are expected. For instance, to facilitate the sharing of feedback and
comments on popular books available from the library, semi-private wiki is used
by SP1 to allow authorized users, including the departmental staff and first year
students, to create an account and edit the wiki. In short, the purpose of using
wiki seems to affect the level of control applied on users.
Total
Table 3. Level of Control Employed in Editing and Viewing Wiki Pages (n=18)
Private Wiki
Semi-Private
Semi-Open
Open Wiki
Total Wikis used
Wiki
Wiki
11 (50%)
7 (31.8%)
1 (4.6%)
3 (13.6%)
22
Notes: Some university libraries employ different levels of control in different wiki software at the same time.
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Main Difficulties of Using Wikis
Although two respondents commented that wiki is easy to use, there were some
difficulties raised. As shown in Table 4, the most common difficulties mentioned
were the users’ low participation rate. Promotion of usage and users’ lack of
knowledge about wiki, and their unfamiliarity with the software were the other
major difficulties encountered. These three difficulties may be interrelated, in
that being unfamiliar with wikis makes people less interested in responding to
their promotion, therefore lowering the participation rate. The transition from one
software to another and having to get used to the new one is another commonly
mentioned difficulty. Some less commonly mentioned difficulties include the
lack of experienced staff and lack of time for wiki development.
Table 4. Difficulties Encountered in Implementing Wikis (n=18)
Difficulties for implementing wiki
No. of academic libraries
1.
Low participation rate
6
2.
Difficulty in promoting new technology (wiki)
3
3.
Users’ lack of knowledge about wiki
4
4.
Managing transition from one software to the other
4
5.
Others
4
Total
21
Notes: Some of the university libraries experienced more than one difficulty in implementing wiki software.
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Costs in creating wikis
Respondents answered the open ended questions concerning the costs incurred in
creating wikis. Four respondents commented that no cost was incurred. SP1,
SP18 and SP23 further elaborated that the hardware is readily available, as is the
software, and free for SP1 and SP23 respectively. Although costs are incurred by
most respondents, three (SP16, SP17 & SP36) commented that the cost is quite
low. SP16 stated that ‘our costs have been low because we use MediaWiki, and
we already have our own server, so we did not have additional server costs.’
As shown in Table 5, among the kinds of cost mentioned, time and training costs
are the most major. SP18 said it took about two to three days for IT staff to
configure wikis. Training cost is quite significant as well, and had the second
highest rating among all costs. The lack of experienced staff for developing wikis
coupled with the users’ lack of knowledge mentioned by several respondents
may explain why training costs have to be incurred. For example, money is spent
by SP20 to train two administrators. Software and hardware costs are also quite
significant. SP20 spent about US$65 per year for set up and maintenance while
SP33 spent a total of US$600 per year for a more secured and enhanced version
of wiki with each costing US$200. Some respondents also mentioned that costs
could be incurred in maintaining and upgrading the software. In spite of the
above costs, however, 12 (75%) of libraries consider the benefits of using wiki to
outweigh the costs. Wikis enable staff who are distant from each other to check
and update frequently (SP33, SP34), facilitate interactions among students
(SP36), and conduct efficient collaborative authoring (SP37).
Table 5. Cost involved in creating the wiki page (n=14)
Cost for implementing wiki
No. of academic libraries
1. Time cost
10 (40%)
2. Training cost
7 (28%)
3. Software and hardware
5 (20%)
4. Others (Human Resource)
3 (12%)
Total
25 (100%)
Notes: Some university libraries have more than one type of cost involved in using the wiki software.
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Usage of different wikis software
Respondents were asked about their usage of different wikis. MediaWiki, applied
by the well known Wikipedia, is the most commonly used (See Table 6).
Table 6. The Usage of Different Types of Wikis and Other Software with Wiki-like Features (n=20)
No. of libs
currently using
wikis
MediaWiki
PBWiki
Confluence
Other wiki
software
Other software
with wiki-like
features
Total
8 (32%)
4 (16%)
4 (16%)
6 (24%) *
3 (12%) **
25 ***
Notes:
* Other kinds of wiki software used by the respondents include PmWiki, Dokuwiki, TWiki and Jotspot.
** Libguides and Microsoft SharePoint are examples of other software with wiki-like features.
*** Some of the university libraries are using more than one kind of wiki software at the same time.
Comparing Reasons for Using Wikis Between Current Users and Potential
Users
This study provides a point of comparison of the reasons for using wikis among
current and potential users. Similarly to the survey completed by those who were
wiki users, libraries planning to use wikis could choose from among the four
advantageous features. Similar percentages of current and potential users chose
enhancing information sharing among librarians, and facilitating the coconstruction of web pages as major reasons for the applications of wikis. As
presented in Table 7, it is worth noting that comparatively more current users
consider speeding up the update of web pages as the reasons for using wikis. The
difference is especially great for item three, ‘archiving different versions of work
online’; though 66.7% of current users attributed their usage to this factor, only
15.4% of potential users considered this to be the reason for their future
application of wikis. This interesting finding seems to indicate that some
advantageous features of wikis may not be realized until they are applied and put
into practical usage.
Table 7. Comparison of Reasons of Using Wikis Between Current Users and Potential Users
Number of Current
Number of Potential
Users of Wikis
Users of Wikis (n2=13)
(n1=15)
To facilitate the co-construction of web pages
10 (66.7%)
7 (53.8%)
To enhance information sharing among librarians
14 (93.3%)
11 (85%)
To archive different versions of work online
10 (66.7%)
2 (15.4%)
To speed up the updating of web pages
11 (73.3%)
6 (46.2%)
Notes: Some of the university chose more than one reasons for using wikis.
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Reasons for Not Using Wikis
Availability of other tools and software, fear of confusion as a result of more than
one system, lack of manpower and support are all mentioned by libraries as
reasons for not planning to use wikis. Among the various reasons given by
respondents, the major one is the availability of alternatives such as the ‘FAQ
Section and Ask a Librarian’ (SP1), ‘blogs, creative use of RSS feeds and instant
messaging’ (SP15), a library’s own intranet (SP28), Sharepoint (SP28, SP30) and
Libguides (SP30). Perhaps due to a lack of understanding of the features and
functions of wikis, some of these reasons (e.g. having blogs or own intranet) do
not seem to be sensible reasons for not using wikis. For example, blogs are online
journals but they do not serve as an online workspace the way wikis do, for group
projects. Similarly, the intranet is only a platform where users can build many
applications such as blogs or wikis.
SP30 further elaborated that his library did not have to maintain the infrastructure
of the service since it was provided by Springshare. ‘We just log in to their site to
add content to our Libguides, so we do not require any local infrastructure. Our
subscription also gives us support from their technical team, so minimal in-house
expertise is required.’ Apart from the presence of other software, some
universities found it problematic to have more than one software, since the
sources of information may be fragmented (SP26), there would be another layer
of navigation needed to find things (SP24) and the transition from one software
to the other would have to somehow be managed (SP19, SP21). Some libraries
also suffered from the lack of manpower (SP8) and support by the university’s
information technology division (SP31).
Implications
The rise of digital technology and resources have changed the information
seeking behaviours of people.23, 24, 25, 26, 31 With technological development,
libraries have to incorporate interactive online media for survival.17 Wikis which
enable librarians and users to communicate with each other15 and make the
library functions easier10 may be considered. Many implications regarding the
use of wikis in academic libraries -- such as their potential applicability, factors
determining the level of control and how to promote wiki usage can be generated
from the research results discussed above. Libraries, especially university
libraries, may look at the following implications in their considerations of
whether or not to apply wikis.
Potential Applicability of Wikis in Academic Libraries
Libraries planning to or not planning to use wikis are encouraged to evaluate the
question of their application by looking at the functions which are highly rated by
current wiki users in terms of their usefulness for collaborative authoring and
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information sharing. As seen in Table 7, the reasons of potential users for using
wikis are even more positively assessed by current users. Additionally, the time
and training costs incurred in implementing wikis may be minor in the long run,
with current users finding the benefits outweighing the costs. It was suggested
that wikis can be added to the collaborative toolbox.10 Instead of considering
wikis as an either-or option, they can be used as a complement to other software.
Boreaux29 recommended that libraries experiment with wikis as another channel
for reaching out and encouraging active involvement of community users. Given
the wide applicability of wikis, together with their unique features and in light of
the positive comments given by current users, wiki is a highly recommendable
software for academic libraries.
MediaWiki May Be Most Suitable
Among the four types of wiki software, MediaWiki was found to be favoured by
university libraries. This may be attributed to its specific features such as its
stable use by Wikipedia in the long run and its large enterprise level of
installations32 while the time required for installation, configuration and
maintenance is minimal.9 Because it can handle much content with everyday
heavy traffic Mediawiki should be considered by libraries planning to apply
wikis.
The Purposes for Using Wikis Serves as the Guiding Principle
Determining the Level of Control
Functions performed by wikis are diverse. The purpose for applying wikis in
libraries is essential in determining the levels of control exerted on users for
reading and editing. The importance of libraries in upholding the integrity of
knowledge is pinpointed by Campbell31 in 2006. Library patrons expect
dependable information in higher education, and the library is “the top source of
inquiry” 31 because of the rise of digital technology. While communication with
the community can be initiated by wikis, it is essential to ensure the quality of
such information. References may be drawn from libraries that are currently wiki
users. Private wikis may be used if the wiki pages are targeted to library staff for
internal use. For wikis targeting university members, semi-private wikis may be
used to allow registered library users to login, view and edit pages
simultaneously. Therefore, determining the level of control by understanding the
purpose of the wiki in a library may help ensure the quality of information.
Sufficient Training Should be Provided to Encourage Usage
The three most commonly reported difficulties are the low participation rate of
users, difficulty in promoting the new technology, and users’ lack of knowledge.
In 2005, Rahman5 pointed out that despite the fact that wikis are easy to use, they
may not be simple and intuitive for everyone. Being used to ‘read-only’ Web-
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based systems, time and training may be necessary for users. To encourage the
adoption of wikis among library staff, extensive training was offered in
Binghamton University.12 University members gained hands-on experience from
the ‘sandbox’ area in which they were allowed to try the wikis without fear of
breaking anything. The power of wiki lies in its ability to involve many people in
editing at the same time, something which is largely determined by the
participation rate. Training would equip potential users with the necessary skills
and should increase the use of wikis.
Conclusion
Wikis, which allow users to read and edit simultaneously with changes being
tracked, possess several powerful information and knowledge sharing features.
These unique features attract increasing numbers of institutions, such as those in
the political and educational sectors. In the digital age, where electronic services
are becoming more and more popular, an increasing number of academic
libraries are applying or planning to apply wikis. This exploratory research effort
aims at providing insights and information about the application of wikis in
academic libraries. The potential applicability of wikis in academic libraries is
evaluated positively. With current users commenting that the benefits outweigh
the costs in the long run, potential wiki users should be encouraged. The research
gives suggestions on the levels of control and the software to be employed. The
importance of training to equip users with sufficient knowledge to encourage
their participation is stressed. It is hoped that this research can serve as a
reference for potential users of wikis in making informed decisions.
Acknowledgement
Thanks to Miss Chan, Y.L., Miss Kwong, T.W., Miss Pang, H.W. and Miss
Yuen, S.N for their excellent research support.
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Notes and References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
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research students’ knowledge of databases,” Online Information Review 29
(September 2005):621-642.
24. Samuel K.W. Chu & Nancy Law, “Development of information search expertise:
research students’ knowledge of source types,” Journal of Librarianship and
Information Science 39 (March 2007):27-40.
25. Samuel K.W. Chu, & Nancy Law, “Development of information search
expertise: postgraduate students’ knowledge of search skills,” portal: Libraries
and the Academy 7 (July 2007):295-316.
26. Samuel K.W. Chu & Nancy Law, “The Development of information search
expertise of research students,” Journal of Librarianship and Information
Science 40 (September 2008):165-177.
27. Sarah Ann Long, “Exploring the wiki world: the new face of collaboration,”
New Library World 157 (2006):157-159.
28. Stephen Abram, “A Few Fun Things to Play With,” Information Outlook 10
(June 2006):70-71.
29. Abigail Bordeaux, Erin Rushton & Marcy Strong, “Wikis in Action@
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http://www.infotoday.com/cil2006/presentations/C101_102_Bordeaux_Rushton
_Strong.pps (accessed 2 July 2008).
30. St. Joseph County Public Library, “How to use the subject guides,”
http://sjcpl.lib.in.us/subjectguides/index.php/How_To_Use_the_Subject_Guides
(accessed 2 July, 2008).
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destination,” EDUCAUSE Review 41 (January/February 2006):16-30.
32. Millie Jackson, Jonathan D. Blackburn & Robert H. McDonald, “MediaWiki
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Reference Librarian 48 (2007):19-36
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Appendix: Applications of Wikis in Academic Libraries
(Survey 1) – For libraries that use wikis
(Note: A similar Survey 2 was also designed for respondents who are not
currently using wikis)
Country:
□ Hong Kong (HKSAR, China)
□ China
□ Singapore
□ United States
□ Australia
□ New Zealand
Personal Information:
Name of university: ______________________
Your Name: ______________________
Job Title: ______________________
Department: ______________________
Branch of Your Library: ______________________
Phone Number (including area code): ______________________
Email address: ______________________
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Q1: Which type(s) of wiki software do various departments of your library
use and for how long?
Wiki software
MediaWiki
PBWiki
PmWiki
SeedWiki
Xwiki
Others (Please specify).
Department(s)
Length of time in use
Q2: What is the level of control employed by your library in the editing and
viewing of wiki pages? (It can be different for different
departments/purposes)
Level of control
Private Wiki - only
authorized users can
create an account, edit
and view
Department(s)
Purposes
Semi- Private Wiki - only
authorized users can
create an account and
edit; anyone can view
Semi- Open Wiki -
Open Wiki - anyone can
edit and view with or
without an account
Others (Please specify)
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Q3: What are the reasons / benefits for the various applications of wiki in
your library?
(Please check all that apply and rank)
□ To facilitate the co-construction of web pages
Not helpful at all 1
2
3
4
5 very helpful
□ To enhance information sharing among librarians
Not helpful at all 1
2
3
4
5 very helpful
□ To archive different versions of work online
Not helpful at all 1
2
3
4
5 very helpful
□ To speed up the updating of web pages
Not helpful at all 1
2
3
4
5 very helpful
□ Others (please specify) ______________________
Not helpful at all 1
2
3
4
5 very helpful
Q4: What are the difficulties for implementing wikis in your library?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Q5: What is the cost involved in creating the wiki pages (hardware,
software, time cost, training, etc.) in your library?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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Q6. Do you think the benefits of using wiki in your library outweigh the
cost? Please explain.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Q7: Does your library offer any training courses on the use of wikis?
□ Yes
Follow-up questions:
 Whom is the training courses for?

Staff - What kind of staff? ______________________

Outsiders? __________________________________
 Who are responsible for the training courses?
__________________________________________________
 What is the nature of the training? What are the contents of the training
courses?
___________________________________________________
 Would you please provide the training materials by attachment for our
analysis?
□ No
Q8: Any additional information or comments about the applications of
wikis in your library?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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