Wikimedia UK is pleased to announce its new partnership with York Museums Trust (YMT). The partnership, which was confirmed last week, is to be supported by the recruitment of a Wikimedian in Residence who will promote open access to collections data across the trust.
To symbolise the beginning of the partnership the trust has uploaded its first image to Wikimedia Commons, a portrait of Tempest Anderson, photographer and volcanologist. This is an appropriate choice as it also marked the centenary of the death of this interesting character whose life is being explored in the trust’s new exhibition, Tempest Anderson: Volcano Chaser.
The Wikimedian in Residence (WIR) will work with YMT’s Digital Team, curators and volunteers for six months to facilitate the release of more of the trust’s collections onto Commons so that they can be accessed and enjoyed by a much larger online audience. The WIR will work with the Wikimedia community on the improvement of articles related to the Tempest Anderson collection (which includes some 5,000 glass slides and numerous books and scientific papers). They will also host training events, edit-a-thons and workshops on the use of Wikipedia for both the public and museum professionals.
The appointment is supported by a grant from Wikimedia UK and applications for the position are now open. You can find full details here or call 01904 697954 to discuss the position.
This position follows in the footsteps of other WIR roles at institutions such as the British Museum, the British Library, and the National Library of Scotland.