Collaboration and communication via wiki : The experience of Curtin University Library and Information Service

Abstract

The idea behind the wiki, a website that can be created and edited by many different users, can sometimes be difficult to come to terms with. Unlike traditional content management and web authoring systems, the wiki is “egalitarian”, enabling all users to have access to its writing and publishing features. Within the organisational context, the wiki is emerging as one of the more flexible, dynamic and simple yet powerful online tools available for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Its version control and change tracking capabilities can also facilitate efficient record keeping and promote transparency. This paper describes Curtin University Library’s experience of designing, developing and implementing a wiki for enhancing communication within and across teams, as well as for collaborating on cross-sectional projects. The challenges of training library staff in using this new technology are discussed. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of wiki technology, as experienced in an academic library environment, are also examined.