Wikipedia is the encyclopedia that anyone can edit. On November 20, Freel Library invites you -- yes, you! -- to join in our very first Wikipedia edit-a-thon. Our event is part of a nationwide effort led by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine to improve Wikipedia articles related to health and medicine. The process is simple:
Create a Wikipedia account (ideally before the November 20 event)- Identify one or more health/medicine articles that need citations to reliable sources (The library will have a list available at the event, or you can locate articles on your own)
- Track down authoritative information to back up the claims in the Wikipedia article (some ideas on where to look)
- Edit the article to add citations to these sources of information
Just like that, you'll become a member of the Wikipedia editing community.
Librarians are here to help you at any stage of this process. If you'd like to get a head start, stop by the library's Reference Desk between 5-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, or make an appointment to meet with a librarian and get started as a Wikipedia editor.
On November 20, starting at 9 a.m., stop by the library anytime during the day to join in the fun. We'll have computers, a list of articles in need of citations, and expert help locating reliable health and medical sources. It will be festive.
Everyone who successfully adds a citation to an article will receive a button/badge in honor of your contribution.
To learn more:
- See the library's guide to the November 20 edit-a-thon
- Visit NNLM's #citeNLM campaign page to learn more about the nationwide edit-a-thon
- Check out a tutorial on how to get started editing Wikipedia
Questions? Ask a librarian!
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