Wiki World

I've never been a fan of wikis because I originally thought there was no control over the content.
I never realized until I read Meredith Farkas' "Usking Wikis to Creat Online Communities," that most wiki programs will save the original page, making it easier to revert back to the original document after it has been vandalized. In addition, I didn't realize that some programs allow you to control the restrictions of who is able to edit content on wikis.
The use of wikis by various libraries also has me re-thinking my original feelings on wikis. The Book Lovers Wiki is a great example of how patrons can get involved by creating their own book review. Instead of coming to the library to turn in a book review, they can simply type one from home. In addition, others can look at the archives of book reviews for suggestions on what to read or what not to read. The SJCPl pathfinder serves as a way that libraries can use wikis to their advantage. The Sno-Isle website cannot put a pathfinder for every subject on their website, so the wiki can serve as a way for libraries to post additional pathfinder options for patrons.

My negative aspect of wikis has now become a positive one. :)