Wikipedia's emphasis on citing sources and making those sources transparent by listing them at the bottom of each article should be of interest to a public librarian. For one thing, it gives all users an opportunity to assess the authority, accuracy, and relevance of each piece of information. And the "References" and "External Links" sections provide a shortcut for finding sources to delve deeper into a topic. These elements of Wikipedia also make it a great teaching tool for public librarians -- an opportunity to show library users how to use citations to do research.


On Jul 15, 2013, at 7:10 PM, Bettina Cousineau wrote:

Hello Community - 

A recent comment by a public librarian revealed her "fear" of Wikipedia ... so what are 10 very useful things - not editing related, please - a public librarian ought to know about Wikipedia?

I've put together 10 slides to present to a group of public librarians .. and am curious to get feedback/input, 'specially since I am NOT a librarian! 

Here is the list - please comment.

1. Wikipedia has 5 pillars
2. Wikipedia editors never sleep (with a link to the inkdroid wikistream)
3. Wikipedia articles are under constant review and revision for accuracy and citation
4. Cats in Trees - a peek at categories and search structures
5. Anybody can access an article's talk page, and everyone can edit an article
6. Inside Wikipedia there are WikiProjects for almost every interest
7. Wikipedia is only one of the sister projects
8. Donating to Commons will help the Library's website
9. Start a GLAM and join the listserv
10. Wikipedia Loves Libraries

Each slide has a relevant link or short commentary. 

Thanks for your time and interest. 

Cheers, Bettina

(Comments/projects are my own and do not reflect the policies of my employer)
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