According to Library 2.0, a wiki is basically a website in which the content can be created and edited by a community of users.
Some advantages of using a wiki are:
* it can be accessed from anywhere
* when content is added, it immediately becomes part of a searchable knowledge base
* allows anyone to edit and create content from anywhere
* enable users to generate dynamic content
A few disadvantages of using a wiki are:
* some libraries may not need one
* some libraries may have low technical expertise or no time to create and maintain
* possibility for inappropriate content
A media center/school could use a wiki among the faculty members. The LMS could create a wiki that allows for all teachers to edit and add content. Teachers could sign up for computer labs, library time, iPod carts, laptops, etc. Some teachers may not have time to always to make it down to the library to reserve something and by having a school wiki teachers can check and edit in their classrooms.
Some of the articles had creative thoughts and ideas on how to use a wiki in the classroom. I thought the "Vanderbilt" article gave some good ideas, but a lot of them were examples at the college level. As a middle school teacher, I do not see how I could effectively use a wiki in my sixth grade math classroom. I do however think it is a great tool for teachers to use to collaborate together and share ideas.
I think the only way schools will start using wikis as active spaces is to just see them used more often. Some teachers may not be comfortable using the technology, but the more we try to use it, the more comfortable teachers and administrators will be in using a wiki.
Wikis are a good way to share information, especially with the library. I loved your idea about having a wiki for teachers to be able to sign up for an item or to even sign up for class library time! That is fantastic and I will have to keep that in mind if I get a media specialist position! From what you've mentioned, it seems the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to wikis. I agree that a major problem would be time for the media specialist. Many are already crunched with time and can barely get books checked in much less keep tabs on a wiki. But it is still a good resource!
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