LibGuides vs Wikis

Comparing Libguides to Wikis is like comparing apples to oranges. Wikis are wonderful tools that enable online collaboration and sharing of information. LibGuides, however, is not a wiki. LibGuides is a dynamic web 2.0 publishing platform combining the best features of wikis, blogs, social networks, and bookmarks into one package designed specifically for libraries. LibGuides is about making your content dynamic and live, and distributing it across the web. It is about connecting with patrons, wherever they are. If you are looking for a platform to enhance and distribute your library services, and improve communication with patrons, you need LibGuides.

Why LibGuides?

1. LibGuides brings a fresh face to your library's online content. LibGuides is very web 2.0, it is cool (hyper-cool, that is), and engaging. It invites visitors to explore the content within, which is what you want, right? LibGuides enables your library to present content and services in a very attractive way. Admit it - we are all friends here - you are impressed with LibGuides. Your patrons will be too! Wikis look rather plain in comparison, don't they?
2. LibGuides enables distributing content across the web, and connecting with patrons wherever they are. LibGuides is the only library content publishing system integrated with Facebook. Furthermore, LibGuides widgets enable you to embed library content inside any webpage, courseware system, or social network. LibGuides enables you to supply useful content and services to these networks! Library 2.0 is about connecting with patrons wherever they are. You can't do any of this with wikis or similar tools.
3. LibGuides integrates many library services into one system. While browsing LibGuides, patrons can chat with reference librarians using any IM networks (Yahoo/AOL/MSN) or via chat widgets like meebo or plugoo. You can't get such wide range of options for connecting with patrons anywhere else! In addition, patrons can search the library catalog from LibGuides, and you can embed federated search or an online database search into any LibGuides page.
4. LibGuides engages your patrons in the library content. Tagging, interactive polls, rating of resources, user comments... these LibGuides features encourage user interaction and foster a community built around library resources. With LibGuides, you can easily create multimedia content and embed videos, podcasts, rss feeds, etc. This is a more effective way to engage patrons, attract their attention, and provide them with useful content they will keep coming back for.
5. Yes, you could possibly develop LibGuides yourself. It is not rocket science (don't tell our Moms, they still think we're geniuses). But this does take a lot of time to develop, support, update, and maintain. Before you embark down this path, talk to us about how much LibGuides costs (hint - not much), and you'll quickly be able to see which option is better for your library.
6. Last but not least - LibGuides is developed specifically for libraries. We are passionate about libraries and it shows! Our founders have been developing cutting-edge library web applications since 1995. All LibGuides feature developments are driven by the demands of our clients and the library community. Unlike wikis, LibGuides is a web 2.0 application designed specifically for libraries - which is precisely why it is the only web 2.0 solution that incorporates so many features that libraries care about.