Letting the grass grow: grassroots information on blogs and wikis

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate some of the major uses and limiting factors of blogs and wikis, as well as the ways that these resources can be used by librarians and educators.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses blog and wiki use from set‐up to practice in real‐world events including citizen journalism, disaster response and education.

Findings

The paper highlights the many ways that socially mediated, group‐edited web pages add value to research, information sharing, and collaborative, asynchronous modes of education.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights for educators and librarians about the ways that blogs and wikis can be used in classrooms and as primary sources of information.

Citation

Ramos, M. and Piper, P.S. (2006), "Letting the grass grow: grassroots information on blogs and wikis", Reference Services Review, Vol. 34 No. 4, pp. 570-574. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320610716459