Wikipedia + Libraries: Better Together
University of Texas-Arlington editing event 2018, courtesy Samantha Dodd, all rights reserved
Teach Literacies
A popular, free online encyclopedia, Wikipedia is almost deceptively straight-forward, but there’s more happening behind the scenes than many realize. Understanding Wikipedia’s inner workings provides important clues about article accuracy, verifiability, and reliability. Teach digital and information literacies with Wikipedia using inquiry-based learning. Confidently guide patrons to critically use this convenient, free resource.
“Now I consider myself a [Wikipedia] convert. I am pushing its value to help students be critical consumers of information.”
– Denise Davis, Morton-James Public Library
Course participants Denise Davis and Tom Boeche, from Morton-James Public Library, present to the Wikipedia + Libraries class, November 25, 2017.
Learn how libraries are teaching literacies with Wikipedia
Library at center of Wikipedia campus activities around HerStory
Feature / The Shorthorn
Samantha Dodd felt unprepared to run her library’s edit-a-thon until taking the WebJunction Wikipedia course. The edit-a-thon became one link in a chain of learning activities and events with her library at the center of Wikipedia literacy instruction.
Librarians Who Wikipedia: Karen Kast
Interview / WebJunction
At a small, rural library in Utah, Karen Kast teaches students to use Wikipedia as a backbone to beginning a research paper. She's also helping them read articles with a critical eye for quality and accuracy.
Librarians Who Wikipedia: Denise Davis and Tom Boeche
Interview / WebJunction
Librarians in Nebraska City, Nebraska advocate starting research with Wikipedia. “I am pushing its value to help students be critical consumers of information,” said Davis. They are also planning to edit articles on the history and culture of their town.
Librarians Who Wikipedia: Allison Frick
Interview / WebJunction
Allison Frick includes Wikipedia at her branch library because the free reference can help computer users of all levels critically evaluate and improve their online experiences. She sees information gaps in articles as an opportunity to make improvements.
Read more stories from the library about how librarians are using, editing, and teaching Wikipedia in their libraries.
How to do this at your library
Explore the full training curriculum to get started editing and teaching Wikipedia in your library.
Training curriculum
Access the full training curriculum to learn how to confidently use, edit, and teach Wikipedia at your library.
Webinars
View webinars that explore the ways librarians are using and contributing to Wikipedia.
Learn more
Learn about the Wikipedia + Libraries: Better Together project's history and activities.
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Sign up to receive WebJunction's email newsletter for library learning, which may include future Wikipedia news.
Project funders
This project was made possible with funding from:
