Edit 2024/What Is the Future of the Wikipedian in Residence Position?: 2024/Main Page

This submission has been accepted for WikiConference North America 2024.

As the role of the Wikipedian in Residence (WiR) expands beyond its traditional GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) setting into diverse fields such as science, climate, religion, politics, and data, it becomes crucial to address the evolving dynamics, opportunities, and associated challenges.

This session will explore the future trajectory of the WiR position, highlighting its potential to enrich various sectors with open knowledge while dealing and managing with new and varying conflicts of interest.

We will begin by examining the historical success of WiRs within GLAM institutions, emphasizing how these roles have fostered collaboration and enhanced content quality on Wikipedia. The discussion will then pivot to the current and emerging applications of WiRs in new fields.

Key topics will include strategies for ensuring neutrality and transparency, methods for handling conflicts of interest, and the development of best practices tailored to specific sectors. Attendees will hear from experienced WiRs who have navigated these challenges. Participants will have a deeper understanding of the expanding role of the WiR as this position continues to expand and evolve.