National Healthcare Wikipedian in Residence
The National Healthcare Wikipedian in residence is a project of the National Health Library and Knowledge Service in partnership with the National Doctors Training and Planning (NDTP). It is a first of its kind initiative to embed a Healthcare wikipedian-in-residence.
The current Healthcare Wikipedian-in-residence Dr. Conor Malone is undertaking a year long residence, during which time he will work with Librarians and clinicians on updating key healthcare topics on Wikipedia.
Wikipedia for Open Health Information
Wikipedia is an openly accessible platform with a global reach. It is the 5th most popular website in the world, with more than 40 million articles in over 290 languages. There is evidence that Wikipedia “amplifies the diffusion of science” increasing citations of works referenced (Teplitskiy 2017). Wikipedia offers enormous potential as a global health tool and means to democratize access to quality health information.
Wikipedian in residence activities
Among the activities of the Wikipedian in residence are:
- Providing outreach to librarians and clinicians, promoting effective use of Wikipedia
- Engaging with healthcare staff and students to encourage them to edit and improve Wikipedia articles
- Organising local and national Wikipedia editathons
- Undertaking research to evaluate the use and impact of Wikipedia on healthcare in Ireland
Why should you get involved in Wikipedia editing – Interview with Former Wikipedian in residence
Listen to Dr Niall O’Mara and Rebecca O’Neill of Wikimedia Ireland talk briefly on the ‘Librarians Aloud‘ podcast about the Wikipedian in residence project and the value of getting involved in Wikipedia editing.