It has been difficult searching for existing discussions on this topic - moodle resource library, collection, documents, etc come up with 100s of not quite relevant threads!
I want to create a resource library within my course - a section that has resources described by a title, description, keywords or categories, and link to the resources themselves (links to other websites + uploaded files). I'd like to have a bank of these resources available (posted by course admin & teachers) but would also like participants to be able to add and possibly comment on them. I want this library to be searchable or at least sortable by category /keyword.
Here are the options I've explored so far with my thoughts on them - I'm looking for better suggestions or examples if anyone can share! Thanks!
Glossary: Seems to be the best option - use HTML to create a place to download or access the resources themselves. Downside is that any student adding a resource will likely just type in a description and throw in a link, leading to inconsistent formatting of entries. I don't like the upload doc function with the small link in the upper right corner - it's hard to see.
Database: Should be able to do all of the needed functions (not sure about sorting by category). The main problem is that creating a nice looking, easy to use database is time consuming and I'm not very good at it.
Sharing a folder of docs: limited info on each displayed and students can't contibute
3rd party repositories: same limitations with information on each resource not being immediately available (ie dropbox, google docs) + means students need to familiarize themselves with this other system (our students are all over the world and many will be restricted by gov't firewalls anyway)
Wiki: always less user friendly than they are supposed to be.
