Nov. 4, 2009 – Many collaborative meetings involve brainstorming on a whiteboard. Often times, scheduling a face-to-face meeting to exchange ideas can be challenging. The availability of an online whiteboard can circumvent this problem. Colleagues can exchange ideas without leaving their desks. There are a variety of Web sites that offer online whiteboards. A select group is listed below. Each Web site referenced is free; however, most require registration and many offer additional features for a cost.

Each site functions in a similar manner. The session leader opens a whiteboard from the webpage, emails an assigned URL to all members of the group, and begins the collaborative sharing of ideas. Participants follow the URL to the group’s whiteboard and can then input their ideas during a “scheduled online meeting,” or at their convenience. Many of theses sites support a “chat room” for members to discuss concepts or for the general exchange of information.

There are downsides to these whiteboards, however. Because they are free, often only one participant can use the whiteboard at a time. And, as with anything online, connectivity problems can occur. It is important to evaluate available features and determine which is best for the group’s particular needs. It’s possible that a subscription-based option is a better choice.

Dabbleboard – This application is quite easy to use. The whiteboard can be edited in real time for brainstorming or can be edited at the convenience of the participants. The page is private, available only to the individuals who received the URL.

ScribLink – “ScribLink is a free digital whiteboard that users can share online in real time. Sorta like pen and paper, minus the dead trees, plastic, and the inconvenience of being at the same place at the same time.” Files created can be saved, printed, or emailed. VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) conferencing is also available.

Virtual Whiteboard – The site offers free registration. If participants do not wish to register, the site is still available but with a few restrictions. Features such as clipart, flowcharts, and various symbols are provided.

JotSpace – JotSpace supports real-time sharing and stores the data for future retrieval. A chat room also is available.

Bev Butula is the manager of library of services at Davis & Kuelthau, Milwaukee. She is a past president of the Law Librarians Association of Wisconsin. Bev has written articles and spoken to numerous groups on issues such as effective Internet research, evaluation of Web sites and legal research. Prior to obtaining her Master's Degree in Library Science from UWM, Bev was a litigation paralegal.