We've all heard of Wikipedia and it's questionable content. I like it for some general information but for obvious reasons suggest alternate sources for researchers. I liked the Wikipedia Exercise on the Library Instruction Wiki where the instructor creates what she calls a "mad lib" to show how easy it is for anyone to add spurious information to the site. Most everyone, especially Tennesseans, know about the Seigenthaler controversy showing the dangers inherent in a open publishing and editing environment.
Some of the very things that make wikis so great are the same things that detract from the idea of using them- anyone can add and make changes to them. A wiki might not be the answer for a control freak. Where the possibility for mischief exists, vandals will congregate. Despite my own tendency toward a need to control my environment; I think wikis are a valuable tool for disseminating and sharing information. I can see many uses for a wiki in genealogy research and local history collaboration. Libraries can use one to post how-to instructions, resource guides, genealogy forms, website links, and on and on. Libraries and individuals can use a wiki to coordinate projects of all kinds so that the information is accessible from anywhere an Internet connection is available by everyone involved. The possibilities are very exciting.
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