[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/wiki-student.jpg” caption=”The Mac Library Experience wiki will help new students become familiar with McMaster’s libraries. Photo by Susan Bubak.”]Librarians and library staff recognize that many students arriving at McMaster have never used such a large library. They know that libraries can initially seem like intimidating places and may leave some feeling mystified.

As a result, McMaster University Library has introduced a new wiki, designed specifically to assist newcomers to McMaster, including first-year and transfer students.

The Mac Library Experience wiki, created by librarian Krista Godfrey, acts as a “one-stop shop,” gathering together essential information that new students will need to know. Once they have the basics down, they can start taking advantage of library books, e-resources and research help to assist them with their coursework.

The wiki format, unlike a traditional static webpage, allows students to post and share tips, give each other advice and post comments, mimicking the functionality of high profile wikis such as Wikipedia. The wiki will also point to relevant Facebook groups and useful YouTube videos, both formats new students are likely to be familiar with.

One unique feature of the Mac Library Experience wiki will be an up-to-date calendar of library events including introductory tours of all four campus libraries and fall workshops designed to help students achieve academic success.

For more information, please contact Krista Godfrey at godfrey@mcmaster.ca.