Submissions:2017/Better together: Building bridges between U.S. public libraries and English-language Wikipedia

This submission has been accepted for WikiConference North America 2017.

Title

Better together: Building bridges between U.S. public libraries and English-language Wikipedia

Theme (optional)

GLAM

Type of submission

Presentation

Author

Monika Sengul-Jones

E-mail address

jonesm at oclc dot org

Username

MonikaSJ

Affiliation

OCLC Wikipedian-in-Residence
Doctoral Candidate, Department of Communication & Science Studies Program at UC San Diego

Abstract

This presentation is an update on OCLC’s Wikipedia + Libraries: Better Together project, which is building bridges between U.S. public libraries and English-language Wikipedia. Learn about the project and the research outcomes of four months of qualitative research with over 400 U.S. public library staff. Specifically, hear about library staff’s perceptions of Wikipedia, their use and experiences with Wikipedia, who they serve, when Wikipedia has best helped them provide access to information for their diverse communities, and their benchmarks for successful programming. This presentation will give you an insiders perspective into the past, present, and future relationships between U.S. public libraries and English-language Wikipedia. You’ll also hear how the Wikipedia + Libraries: Better Together team is drawing on these learnings and designing a ten-week online training program for up to 500 U. S public library staff (Sept. 13 – Nov. 15, 2017). Finally, hear what you can do to support U.S. public libraries as they join the English-language Wikipedia community.

Bio:
Monika Sengul-Jones is the Wikipedian-in-Residence with OCLC’s Wikipedia + Libraries project from Feb. 2017 – May 2018.

Background:
Wikipedia + Libraries: Better Together launched in Dec. 2016, funded by John S. and James L. Knight Foundation's 2016 News Challenge grant award, with a supplementary grant from the Wikimedia Foundation.

Related links:
• Wikipedia + Libraries: Better Together
• Online training program FAQ for U.S. public library staff
• Participate as a Wikipedia guide for the online training program • Presentation slides

Length of presentation

20 minutes

Special requests

Projector

Preferred room size

~20

Wikimania submission?

No

Will you attend WikiConference North America if your submission is not accepted?

Yes

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