The value of wikis globally and locally!

Past work experiences have not encouraged me to use wikis beyond checking wikipedia for a simple explanation to assist students searching for a short answer response to a school assignment. As part of the Licence2test drive course work, the examples available highlight the organisational value a wiki can bring to the workplace. I appreciate the phrase:-

• "communities of interest", to describe those organisations that have developed a wiki to share common knowledge and information;


• with a view to inviting and encouraging ongoing collaborative input and content;


• and as a means of posting documentation, images, experiences and/or policy information in one central location for internal or external use.

Here is an amazing example of one of the new technologies introduced to staff on the slq Library 2.0 wiki. (State Library of Queensland) welcoming visitors to Emerging media and new technology sessions. Below is an example of a tag cloud that you can create yourself.

This wiki is a fairly recent addition to cyberspace and used to document technologies introduced to slq library staff each month. The content is a valuable means of sharing knowledge in a library context. Have a look at the wiki if you have a chance.

Sharing mosaic images and links

I am currently adding some new images and links to my blog that relate to my personal interest on the topic of mosaics. There are some great examples of mosaics posted on the web if you are looking, but one in particular of a brooch housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Belonging to the Gilbert collection, this Florentine mosaic is exquisite. It would have been wonderful to attend the gallery talk session and view other examples of micromosaics. If you are interested also, the museum has uploaded an image of one brooch from the collection, showing the fine detail. I must attribute my interest in mosaics to my grandfather who visited Florence in the 1960's when I was just a girl. His special gift to me was a Florentine mosaic bracelet, which was so delicate and precious that it broke into two pieces on the first occasion I wore it. Although it is still in two pieces I treasure it. Perhaps I should add an image of it in one of my future posts.

More interesting bits and pieces...

Ramson posted these wonderful images onto Flickr, granting permission for me to share them with you. The first image is the glass mosaic entrance to the Rhizotron in Kew Gardens and the second is an image of the classic wall and floor mosaics inside the Holburn Bars building. Thankyou for sharing your wonderful mosaic images with us . Both venues will be on my next places to visit in the future Ramson!