Wikimedia and British Library join forces to improve content relevant to the Library on Wikipedia
The British Library, home to some of the world’s unique printed and written collections, is hosting a two-day Wikipedia ‘editathon’ on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 January. Co-organised by Wikimedia UK and the Library’s new Digital Research & Curator team, the event is aimed at sharing the expertise of real-world cultural institutions with wiki-knowledge. Details about the event are available on Wikimedia UK’s wiki.
Using the resources of the British Library and guided by the expertise of its curators, the Editathon will aim to update Library treasures on Wikipedia. Library curators will be on hand to guide Wikipedia editors, some of whom have already expressed an interest in improving the entries on Magna Carta and the King James Bible.
Chris Clark, the British Library’s Head of Digital Research and Curatorial Team commented: “There is a great deal of interest in the Library’s collections, both physically and digitally and we are pleased to be able to help Wikipedians add value to the information about our collections.”
Mike Peel, organiser on behalf of Wikimedia UK, commented: “Wikipedia gets 410 million views per month and they will benefit greatly if we are able to update even just a little of the information about the British Library’s unique resources. This is a marvellous way to celebrate Wikipedia’s tenth birthday”