Wikisource Loves Proofreading Campaign 2025
 | This page is kept for historical interest. Any policies mentioned may be obsolete. If you want to revive the topic, you can use the talk page or start a discussion on the community forum. |
For many years, Wikisource has quietly served as one of the Wikimedia movement’s most powerful tools for preserving and sharing knowledge. Every page proofread, every scan validated, and every text published makes the world’s cultural and literary heritage easier for someone else to discover.
Yet, while its impact is enormous, Wikisource itself often remains under-recognized, under-resourced, and under-explored.
In 2025, we hope to bring a little change.
With that approach, this Wikisource Loves Proofreading Campaign 2025, is a global call to action for Wikisource contributors, newcomers, and partners across the Wikimedia movement.
- Project type: Global campaign for Wikisource proofreading contests
- Organizers: Volunteer-led initiative by active Wikisource contributors
- Rapid fund request page: Wikisource Loves Proofreading Campaign (ID: 23091842)
Problem Statement & Proposed Change
[edit]Wikisource, a welcoming sister project of Wikipedia, has an abundance of digitized resources waiting to be proofread and validated. However, many of these resources remain underutilized due to:
- Lack of newcomers’ engagement on Wikisource projects.
- Limited visibility and outreach of Wikisource compared to other Wikimedia projects.
- Communities are working in silos, without opportunities to showcase their efforts on a global scale
Proposed approaches (Pilot):
- Promote Wikisource globally through a coordinated proofreading campaign.
- Equip newcomers with guiding/learning materials to make proofreading more accessible.
- Create opportunities for underrepresented Wikisource language communities to organize contests and receive global exposure.
- Foster long-term community growth by encouraging continuous contributions beyond the campaign.
This initiative aims to be the first global Wikisource-focused campaign, modeled after successful global movements, such as the Wiki Loves campaigns.
Community Discussion & Input
[edit]A global survey was shared with Wikisource communities for two weeks, resulting in 50+ responses.
Knowledge Gaps Addressed
[edit]This proposal aims to bridge language gaps by promoting proofreading in underrepresented Wikisource editions and bringing visibility to communities previously absent from global campaigns.
Thematic Focus
[edit]Culture, heritage or GLAM – The campaign contributes to preserving and validating historical, cultural, and knowledge resources in multiple languages.
Underrepresented Communities Involved
[edit]Linguistic / Language communities – Small or less visible Wikisource editions will be empowered to host contests, gain visibility, and connect with global peers.
Movement Strategy 2030 Alignment
[edit]The project supports:
- Invest in Skills and Leadership Development – by training ambassadors and new contributors.
- Innovate in Free Knowledge – by experimenting with the first global Wikisource campaign.
- Ensure Equity in Decision-making – by including underrepresented language communities in global planning.
Expected Outcomes & Metrics
[edit]- Participants: 60 (20 per community × 3 pilot communities).
- Editors: To be defined based on active contributors in contests.
- Organizers: 3 core team members + trained ambassadors/juries.
- Measurement tools: WSContest Tool for contribution tracking; post-campaign surveys for qualitative feedback.
Timeline
[edit]- Announcement for the campaign: 5th November 2025
Done - Call for ambassadors: 10th November 2025 - 22nd November 2025 Done
- Announcement of ambassadors: 24th November 2025
- Onboarding of ambassadors: 1st December 2025
- Launch of the campaign: 20th December 2025
- End of campaign: 20th Feb 2026 | UTC 11.59 PM
- Announcement of result: 28th Feb 2026 | UTC 11.59 PM
Update 2026
[edit]Unfortunately due to schedule conflict and other problems, our team are no longer able to continue with this contest. We apologize for all Wikisourcians who have registered as ambassadors. We hope that you would still continue your proofreading effort in other capacities.