Wikipedia for Libraries and Archives

Course Description

Wikipedia is one of the most used sites on the web, a place where people go for basic reference questions, trivial facts, and sometimes in-depth research. Wikipedia is often criticized for its anonymous writers and cliquish community, yet it is a site many people use and rely upon. How can and should librarians and archivists engage with this ubiquitous information resource?

In this course we will explore the connections between Wikipedia and libraries and archives. Wikipedia can be a tool for community outreach, student or user learning, and heightened visibility of special collections. Participants will delve into Wikipedia so they can engage more fully with this unique source and better guide their patrons’ use of it. Over this four week course, we will explore the promise and potential of Wikipedia for libraries and communities. Participants will each develop an event or program plan for their institution.

If you are interested in developing new outreach and engagement programming around Wikipedia, you can use this course to develop a plan and get feedback and support from the instructor and other participants. It is relevant for librarians and archivists working at any type of institution. No prior Wikipedia experience is required–we will also cover the basics of writing and editing articles.

This course will cover:

• Week 1: Writing and editing articles; the Wikipedia community
• Week 2: Edit-a-thons, #1Lib1Ref, WikiEdu, and more.
• Weeks 3 & 4: Create a Wikipedia event: identify potential collaborators and participants, determine objectives and outcomes, develop an event plan, and find resources and support.

After the course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the nuances of Wikipedia with their colleagues and users
• Create and edit Wikipedia pages with confidence
• Develop and plan a Wikipedia-related event or program for their institution
• Engage and collaborate with other Wikipedians