Skip to Main Content



Library Workshop Spring 2019: Wikipedia Edit-a-Thons

This guide will provide basic information on getting involved with Wikipedia editing and contributing.

What is Wikipedia?

wiki logo"Wikipedia is a free Encyclopedia written collaboratively by the people who use it. It is a special type of website designed to make collaboration easy, called a Wiki. Many people are constantly improving Wikipedia, making thousands of changes per hour. All of these changes are recorded in article histories and recent changes."  (From Wikipedia)

 

Introduction - Wikipedia What-a-Thons??

The Five Pillars of Wikipedia

For more information about these principles, please check out the original Wikipedia Page

  1. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia: It is not a soapbox, advertising platform, vanity press, directory, newspaper, or a collection of source documents.
  2. Wikipedia is written from a neutral point of view: Articles should document and explain major points of view using an impartial tone.  All articles must strive for verifiable accuracy.
  3. Wikipedia is free content that anyone can use, edit and distribute: No editor owns an article.  All editors freely license their work to the public.  Any contributions can and will be edited and redistributed.  Respect copyright laws and never plagiarize.
  4. Editors should treat each other with respect and civility: Apply Wikipedia civility, do not engage in personal attacks.  Seek consensus and avoid edit wars.
  5. Wikipedia has no firm rules:  Wikipedia has policies and guidelines, but they are not carved in stone; their content and interpretation can evolve over time. 

Useful Applications for Wikipedia Edit-a-Thons

Women and minorities are underrepresented on Wikipedia, in the arts and in STEM-related fields. Here are links to information on how people have used or are using Edit-a-Thons to attempt to redress the balance.

 

Wikipedia & the Digital Humanities

Kenneth Sherwood's apt summary of the usefulness of Wikipedia in DH (you'll need to scroll a bit).

Workshop Leader

Profile Photo
Dan Coffey
Contact:
152 Parks Library

515.294.3672

Workshop Leader

Profile Photo
Abbey Elder
she/they