Increasing public awareness and coverage of outstanding women scientists are the goals of a Wikipedia edit-a-thon at the Wond’ry from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14.
Alice White, a historian of science at the Wellcome Library in London, will discuss WikiProject Women Scientists, a group dedicated to ensuring quality writing on the lives of women scientists. Her talk will begin at 10:30 a.m.
In addition, the public is invited to bring laptops and power cords to learn how to edit Wikipedia during this free event, which will take place on the Wond’ry’s third floor.
“Libraries and Wikipedia share the goal of increasing knowledge and discovery,” said University Librarian Valerie Hotchkiss. “As librarians, we have the research skills to improve this ubiquitous reference source, and we can teach you how it is done. We look forward to welcoming Alice White, who will share her expertise and inspire our Wikipedians as they work together to improve coverage of women scientists.”
WikiProject Women Scientists was formed to address the lack of writing about women scientists in Wikipedia and elsewhere. White holds a doctorate in history from the University of Kent. As a Wikimedian-in-residence at the Wellcome Library, she develops outreach programs connecting Wikimedia users with the Wellcome’s vast collections of specimens, books, manuscripts and scientific tools.
Participants in the upcoming edit-a-thon will receive tips from experienced editors and work together to update articles, improve citations and add more biographies about notable women scientists. You can check to see if your favorite woman scientist has a Wikipedia page here.
Lunch will be provided, and drop-ins are welcome at the edit-a-thon, which is co-sponsored by the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries and the Wond’ry. For more information, email Mary Anne Caton.