Re: Wikipedia?

[JBedord@aol.com]

Let me give a different perspective on Wikipedia.  I teach online 
searching to graduate students at SJSU School and Library and 
Information Services. My students and I find Wikipedia to be 
quite useful as a "tool", not an authoritative source per se.

In general, students (and patrons/users), regardless of 
educational level, struggle with synonyms in using search to 
"find" information -- it's inherent in the messiness of 
linguistics!  We find that Wikipedia quickly gives a context to 
words, which can then be used in searching other sources.  I find 
it particularly useful in the world of emerging technologies 
which is constantly coining new acronyms and using confusing 
terminology to mask reinvention of concepts.

Wikipedia also shines in the area of popular culture, but I 
wouldn't trust it for medical information.  The mantra is that it 
can be a useful a starting point, but always, always, always 
check multiple sources (but isn't the same advice we've always 
given?)

Warm regards,
Jean  Bedord
Internet Business Strategist
www.bedord.com
Phone: 408-257-9221  / 408-252-5220
Fax: 408-252-8078
Email: jean @ bedord.com / jbedord @  aol.com