Online Librarian
Carl

WIKIPEDIA http://en.wikipedia.org
Publicly launched on January 15, 2001

What THIS SITE IS:
Wikipedia is an open source, community based, online encyclopedia. Most entries are open to the revisions and additions of anyone with Internet access. This grants an advantage in multiple viewpoints and currency but also allows room for errors of omission and spamming. Fortunately, Wikipedia has many levels of editorial oversight and control.

Positives: Current, revisable, links to other sources (both print and online), multi language capacities (Español), ever-changing “fluid” information base, hyperlinks, spawning of other projects:

• Sister projects: Wiktionary, Wikinews, Wikiquote, Wikibooks, Wikispecies, etc.
• Spinoffs: Citizendium, Scholarpedia, the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Life (~2008) etc.
• Specific Wikis: Marvel Database, Conservapedia, Wookieepedia, etc.
  

Negatives: Inaccuracies through ignorance and/or malice, same limitations as an encyclopedia


Who SHOULD USE THIS SITE:
Wikipedia is helpful for those seeking quick and dirty orientation on a topic, particularly trendy or current topics. It is also handy for web-links and bibliographies.

Librarian Note: Librarians should be as wary of Wikipedia as of any general encyclopedic information source. Being careful to always triangulate (double check with multiple sources) the information you gather.

Interesting FEATURE:
Check out the Reading Public Library’s new Wikipedia entry! Or create your own.

Bottom LINE:
Wikipedia is not the end stop in the research process (as no encyclopedia should ever be) but it can be decent beginning, a way station if you will. Particularly of value is the currency of certain entries; for instance I dare you to find and entry for Web 2.0 in your mother’s Britannica. Despite being flawed Wikipedia can be very useful if used wisely.

Helpful LINKS:
Instruction/Tutorials/Features
Wikipedia Help
What is a Wiki?

Extras
Internet encyclopaedias go head to head
Q&A with Jimmy Wales Wikipedia Founder

Any QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to make a comment by clicking on the comments link below or if you prefer to reach me by email.