Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda/1Lib1Ref Uganda January 2024
Introduction to #1Lib1Ref
[edit]The #1Lib1Ref (One Librarian, One Reference) campaign is a global initiative that aims to enhance the reliability and accuracy of Wikipedia by encouraging librarians around the world to add at least one reliable reference to an article of their choice. As we start 2024, it is crucial to highlight the significance of this campaign and its potential impact on knowledge sharing and accessibility.
With the advancement of the digital age, we have adapted to accessing information. With just a few clicks, we can access a wealth of articles, blog posts and videos on almost any topic. However, this vast ocean of information can often be misleading or inaccurate. This is where #1Lib1Ref steps in to fill in the gap.
By empowering librarians to contribute to Wikipedia, #1Lib1Ref ensures that reliable sources are integrated into articles, enhancing their credibility and quality. Librarians have the expertise and training to evaluate sources and determine their reliability, making them indispensable contributors to the accuracy and integrity of the world's largest online encyclopedia.
The #1Lib1Ref campaign, hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, receives valuable support from the Wikimedia Community User Group Uganda and the Wikipedia Library Team, making it a collaborative and dynamic initiative.
This Year's Focus
[edit]This campaign is also aimed at commemorating the Wikimedia day, and we have an exciting plan to merge both the campaign launch and the Wikimedia day into one unforgettable event. During this event, we will not only celebrate but also provide valuable training to our members on reliable sources and online/E-resources, teaching them how to access and effectively utilize these resources to better Wikimedia projects and initiatives.
Time line & Activities
[edit]#1Lib1Ref 2024 in Uganda will be commemorated through an in-person event on Saturday 16 May 2024
Outcomes / Results
[edit]- We welcomed at least 3 new editors from a GLAM Wiki-partner i.e Community Library Association of Uganda (COLAU).
- The participants were able to benefit from in-person training and learnt the use of various content identification tool like PET scan tool and the citation hunt tool. So that meant that participants were able to identify a wider range of content to contribute to.
- At least 229 references were added to Wikidata and Wikipedia.
- At least 31 new items were created on Wikidata.
- Atleast 7 new articles were created on English Wikipedia.
Experience & challenges
[edit]- Finding reliable resources for specifically Ugandan-related content is still a challenge ;
- Despite the tools available, finding and identifying content to contribute to is a challenge
- Low numbers of participants because of competing campaigns and lack of resources e.g computers and reliable internet access.
- The citation hunt tool is not regularly updated which leads to limited content available.