Wikis

Wikis vs. Blogs

• Wikis are similar to an edited book in that each contributor can post original content and contribute fully. They are more collaborative and in areas like meeting planning would be extremely useful.
• Blogs are similar to authored books where the single author contributes the majority of content with only comments on the author's content provided by others. There might be a place in the medical library world for blogs but great care needs to be taken that the authority, objectivity, quality factors are considered. A healthcare provider (subject expert) could create a blog to provide information to paitents in a support group, for example. Diabetes education might work as a topic that could use a blog. Careful disclaimers must be developed.