Wikipedia

Wikipedia can be used to compliment the work of libraries in several ways.

• Teaching students how to effectively use Wikipedia in the research process. There are many misconceptions with instructors and students about whether to use and how to use Wikipedia in the research process. Teach students the concept of an encyclopedia, highlighting its strengths in providing terms, definitions, and references. Highlight ways how to properly, as well as improperly, use Wikipedia.
• You (and your students) can edit Wikipedia. Since 2010, the Wiki Education nonprofit has supported the Wikipedia Education Program. This program provides resources for incorporating Wikipedia within the classroom.
  • Two examples of Wikipedia assignments in practice come from the Journal of Information Literacy.
    • First, the University of Derby created an entire module focused on Wikipedia.
    • Second, the University of Kansas created a program where students use Wikipedia to learn about the peer review process.
  • Other schools have hosted Wikipedia Edit-a-thons. These make great outreach events!
    • Ashland University celebrated Women’s History month by encouraging students to add information to Wikipedia pages about female Ashland alums.  
    • UC Berkeley focuses their events on underrepresented groups.
  • Librarians can also edit Wikipedia. 1Lib1Ref (One Librarian, One Reference) is a biannual event encouraging reference librarians to contribute to Wikipedia, primarily by adding citations.