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Wikipedia is the first stop for many of us learning about a new topic, but what do you really know about how information gets there? How can your library can make use of Wikipedia? In this forum we’ll learn from an expert Wikipedian about how to edit pages, and you’ll dive in and get some hands on practice editing Wikipedia articles. We’ll talk about how libraries can get involved in Wikipedia through events or online initiatives. No previous Wikipedia experience necessary! We'll use the Washingtoniana collections in Gelman Library's Special Collections Research Center as an information base for editing articles on DC history, with special emphasis on DC's LGBT history in celebration of June as LGBT Pride Month.
This event includes: a discussion of current and potential Wikipedia uses in academic libraries, the edit-a-thon, and snacks!
When
1:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Where
Room 302, Gelman Library, 2130 H Street NW Washington, DC 20052. GW-affiliated participants can use their GWorld card to enter the library; everyone else will need to sign in and show photo ID.
How to Register
Add your Wikipedia user name (or your actual name, if you don't have a Wikipedia account yet) in the Sign Up section below or email kinniff(at)gwu.edu.
What to Bring
Please bring your GW ID or photo ID. We suggest bringing your own laptop for ease of use, however, we will also have library laptops on hand for participants.
Gate to Kogan Plaza at GW, with Gelman Library in the background
Focus
The edit-a-thon will concentrate on any topics relating to DC history, with a special focus on LGBT history in honor of LGBT Pride month. We'll also explore uploading out of copyright material to Wikimedia Commons.
New editor instruction and tutorials; experienced editors can dive right into the collections
2:30 - 3:30
Editathon led by the National Archives Digital Content Specialist and Wikipedian-in-Residence Dominic McDevitt-Parks, Jennifer Kinniff of GW, and Chloe Raub of Catholic University
3:30 - 4:30
Discussion of Wikipedia initiatives in academic libraries, including GW's past activities and new opportunities
FAQ
Do I have to register to attend, or can I just arrive on the day?
Signing up in advance assures that we will have enough snacks and know how many people to expect, but if you just show up we'll still be happy to see you!
Do I have to be a member of Wikimedia DC?
No, this event is open to everyone.
What happens if I get hungry?
We'll have snacks and drinks!
What material will attendees be able to access?
We'll have a selection of materials from Special Collections available for editors to use in creating and editing articles. Event attendees are also welcome to find other materials by searching the catalog or by accessing our electronic resources (such as JSTOR or the Washington Post Historical databases). If you already know of specific items you would like to see, let us know below and we can have them ready for you when you get here.
This is just a start--please add more articles to this list!
Examples of DC-related Content in Wikimedia Commons (let's add more!)
Gelman Library and ornamental gates on the campus of George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
The Steedman-Ray House located at 1925 F Street, NW in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It now serves as the residence of the George Washington University president.
Photograph of James Peale's oil portrait of William Staughton. Staughton was the first President of Columbian College (1821-1827), the original name of The George Washington University.
Gelman Library and ornamental gates on the campus of George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
The Steedman-Ray House located at 1925 F Street, NW in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It now serves as the residence of the George Washington University president.
Photograph of James Peale's oil portrait of William Staughton. Staughton was the first President of Columbian College (1821-1827), the original name of The George Washington University.
