I have been contemplating this question for quite awhile. So I had to go and hear how one library did just that. After hearing two librarians discuss how they set it up for their library I came away with some new thoughts and questions.
I do think it would be easier for more staff to be able to add and edit content for our intranet. Of course there is still the issue of a learning curve for staff. But it is a way to let those who are actually creating the content to be able to add to the intranet without having to send it in to me or to someone else who has FrontPage and access to the server.
One idea I had was to have a mashup of sorts and have a wiki as part of our intranet. Some of the things used by this particular library is a place for putting up files for all staff to see such as ideas for crafts, teen reads, and tutorials. It would be a good way to keep notes, display exhibit ideas, security alerts with descriptions of problem patrons (they actually put up photos from their security cameras).
One cool idea is a place for staff profiles with photos, background, and contact information.
I think it is something to think about and something to consider.
Does anyone have thoughts on this idea?
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7 comments:
The number one issue is the learning curve, especially with many of the staff not even signing up for the blog or ever reading it. A close second would be the issue of keeping the wiki organized. The best thing about our intranet is knowing where to find the information all the time, such as personnel and general forms, staff information, etc,. Wikis are sometimes messy and always changing. I think it might be a good idea to experiment at least, though. Thanks for letting me share.
I think it is an awesome idea! Just like Hunter mentioned, there is the learning curve. If we can't managed to get everyone interested enough to sign in to the blog, I believe trying to convince them to use a wiki will prove to be just as difficult. I would love for BPL to adopt this approach to the Intranet. We need someway to get everyone fired up for these "new" things. As you know, I love things that are new and challenging and feel frustrated at times with the lack of interest in these new and exciting (to me at least) ways of doing the same thing (just a tad different). The blog interest is getting better but it could be GREAT.
Having a way to simply add Intranet content and share ideas would be a great.
We could experiment with this Intranet wiki to see if how this would work. Maybe the learning curve would not be that great or could be minimized in some way.
A staff profile with a photo on the Intranet is a good thing too. I have in the past looked at the 2003 staff photos @ http://www.bplonline.org/intranet/staffphotos.htm just to make certain that I was sending an email to the right person.
Those 2003 photos are starting to get dated. Hairstyles do change in just a few years:-)
"Those 2003 photos are starting to get dated. Hairstyles do change in just a few years:-)"
Everybody's but mine.
I say we should go for it. The people who will take the time to add content will probably do it correctly anyway.
Maybe the structure of the current intranet could be copied so that people would know where new content goes. I certainly wouldn't start with a blank slate and let people add stuff willy-nilly right off the bat.
In my experience it took a while to get used to the Intranet but now I go to it for what I need that is there. So, I think a wiki would be great and once staff is trained it would be easier. A transitional period with both maybe? You guys go for it!
Tressa's idea of mimicking the structure of the current Intranet would be ideal if it can be pulled off.
The familiar interface should make it easier for most to adopt.
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