Oxford libraries and museums May 2015

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As part of the Bodleian Libraries' Wikimedian In Residence project, Martin Poulter gave an internal workshop for staff in Oxford's libraries on Wednesday 6th May 2015. The title was "Working with the Open Culture movement: How cultural organisations are engaging researchers and the public through Wikimedia". This has led to some other events:

  • As a result of the first workshop, a follow-up was requested specifically for museum staff, which happened on Thursday 2nd July.
  • Part of the workshop was used in a one-hour lunchtime workshop, "Under the bonnet of Wikipedia" open to staff and students across the University of Oxford, on 4th November.
  • A third workshop, for Bodleian Libraries staff, took place at the Osney One building on Thursday 19th November.
  • A customised version of the workshop was given for the staff of the Voltaire Foundation, resulting from a request from a VF staff member who attended the Wikipedia 15 birthday editathon.
  • Martin returned to the Bodleian in 2016/7 as Wikimedian In Residence at the University of Oxford and gave the session again for library staff in May 2017
  • A much-abbreviated version of the workshop, with a medical emphasis, was given for medical librarians at the Cairns Library in the John Radcliffe Hospital, also in May 2017.
  • See also the Vatican library and Bodleian library workshop, Free Speech Debate training workshop and Open Knowledge Ambassador workshop series.

Abstract

Slides used in the first workshop

This workshop looks at varied ways in which the cultural sector is using Wikipedia and other free sites to crowdsource improvements, context and scholarly uses of their content. As well as Wikipedia, we will look at sister projects including Wikisource, Wikibooks and Wikidata. This is an opportunity to get practical suggestions for how to use Wikimedia in your own work.

Some links for further reading and exploration

SHORT URL FOR THIS SECTION: tinyurl.com/openglam

Wikimedia overview

Wikimedia Commons

Wikipedia

Wikisource

How a book digitised into the Internet Archive can be used in the Wikimedia system to reach readers and benefit from crowd contributions

Wikidata

Other

Links for museums

Evaluation

First workshop

There were 11 attendees, of whom 9 were women. They came from various parts of the Bodleian, from a college library, and from Oxford University Museums. An additional person arrived at the end and took handouts.

Nine evaluation forms were returned.

I enjoyed this workshop (1=Strongly disagree, 5=Strongly agree)

Mean: 4.7. All answers agreed (i.e. put a 4 or a 5).

I learnt new things in this workshop

Mean: 4.6. All agreed.

The materials handed out are useful

(Note: this question is stipulated by Wikimedia UK for training events where people learn to edit Wikipedia, so maybe not relevant here.)
Mean: 4.0 (six out of eight answers agreed)

I had a good understanding of Wikimedia before the workshop

Mean: 3.0

I have a good understanding of Wikimedia now.

Mean: 4.0 (seven out of nine answers agreed)

I will do something different in my work as a result of attending.

Mean: 4.1 (seven out of nine answers agreed)

Tell us at least one thing which would have improved this workshop for you
  • A little bit longer!
  • Discussion of conflict of interest for institutions contributing
  • Acoustics - but that's not presenter's fault!
  • Improved acoustics
  • Acoustic! Not easy to hear speaker
  • Maybe something more on organising editathons or applications (e.g. Derby museums example) - specific activities we'd like to be doing as cultural organisations.
  • Starting from a little further back + giving a more basic intro
  • (2 blank)
Any further comments to add - either positive or negative
  • Very exciting, thanks.
  • Learned lots about Wikidata that I will def. use!
  • It's only an hour- if more time allowed it would have been nice to have time looking at an example before moving to the next item. Better idea of how to assess quality. Thank you!
  • Really good - increased my enthusiasm to work with wiki, both professionally and personally.
  • Engaging and informative presentation
  • Might be better to use the screen at the head of the table to prevent obscuring the screen.
  • Engaging presenter - style good but assumed quite a lot of knowledge. Made me want to learn more about the topic which is positive!
  • (2 blank)

Second Workshop

8 attendees, six of whom were women. Five evaluation forms were returned, though one attendee had already attended the first workshop and filled out an evaluation there.

I enjoyed this workshop (1=Strongly disagree, 5=Strongly agree)

5, 5, 5, 3, 4. Mean: 4.4

I learned new things in this workshop

5, 5, 5, 4, 3. Mean: 4.4

I had a good understanding of Wikimedia before this workshop

3, 3, 3, 3, 2. Mean: 2.8

I have a good understanding of Wikimedia now.

4, 4, 4, 4, 3. Mean: 3.8

I will do something different in my work as a result of attending.

5, 5, 3, 2, 3. Mean: 3.6

What is the most surprising thing you learnt about in this workshop?
  • Wikidata and its potential
  • Types of Wikipedia uses. How images are organised in Wikipedia
  • The mechanics of how Wikipedia (& Wikimedia) works. Interesting tools - e.g. QRpedia + multi-lingual routes; creating historical timelines
  • I was impressed with the number of different Wikis available in different languages
  • Minefield on the subject of image licensing still not really being sorted/ agreed within sector/ law
Tell us at least one thing which would have improved this workshop for you
  • Perhaps setting out roadmap at the start so as to head off too much copyright diversion?!
  • Maybe some info sent in advance as b/g reading? Although appreciate it often doesn't get read.
  • If there was more time, perhaps a quick demonstration of how you upload an image / edit content. More case studies about impact within the arts + culture sectors.
  • I would have liked to have heard more about Wiki's 'terms and conditions' re. image uploading, and what implications this had on users and contributors as well as the IP rights holders ('license laundering' etc.)
  • Handout slides to add facts/ thoughts to.
Any further comments to add - either positive or negative
  • I wonder whether a short presentation to the more general staff of individual museums would fall within your remit? (Yes it would- have sent follow-up email to attendees offering further activities. - MLP)
  • Thanks Martin!
  • Very interesting and has made me want to explore, though not sure if I have the confidence! I use Wikipedia every day for work as a curator and would love to give something back. I think a cross-museums backstage pass event would be a great next step. We're already working on one for Instagrammers so having that model might make it fairly straightforward. Thanks again, Martin.
  • I still think there are problems with quality control: it's all very well to let anyone 'improve' an image by playing around with it and re-publishing, but often this compromises the integrity of the work. I realise you can potentially 'control' this by getting notifications, but I think that this creates unnecessary work at levels that are potentially unsustainable. I also think there needs to be some restriction on file size and resolution to help protect the creators' IP and avoid misuse (the e.g. you used was 3.5k pixels at 300ppi - which is potentially 'publishable' whatever its inherent quality.)
  • I think it would be good to continue the conversations about image licensing between museums and libraries and see if we can come to a policy we're both comfortable with. This would encourage our participation in Wikimedia and other similar ventures. An engaging workshop; delivered well (for the bit I was there for!)

Lunchtime introduction

19 attendees. Evaluation was conducted online, which explains the low rate of response.

Except where indicated, 5 = Excellent; 1= Poor

Teaching

Answers: 8 of 11 - Return rate: 72.7% - Mean value: 4.50 - Variance: 0.29 - Standard Deviation: 0.53
(all put 4 or 5)

Notes (if applicable)

Answers: 2 of 11 - Return rate: 18.2% - Mean value: 5.00 - Variance: 0.00 - Standard Deviation: 0.00
(both answers were 5)

Exercises (if applicable)

2 = Too difficult; -2 = Too easy
Answers: 6 of 11 - Return rate: 54.5% - Mean value: 0.17 - Variance: 0.17 - Standard Deviation: 0.41

What would you have liked more of?
  1. more time as very interesting...
What would you have liked less of?

No answers

Please give any other comments you have here .....
  1. Very informative and inspiring - thank you very much!
  2. Unfortunately I have to leave after half an hour for a pre-existing appointment. I was disappointed not to be able to stay for the exercises part of the session.
  3. Perfect lunchtime introduction :) It was great to have the hands-on experience as part of it.

Third full workshop

Seven attendees: five women and two men. Seven evaluation forms were collected.

I enjoyed this workshop (1=Strongly disagree, 5=Strongly agree)

5 5 5 5 5 5 5. Mean: 5.0

I learned new things in this workshop

4 4 5 5 5 5 5. Mean: 4.7

I had a good understanding of Wikimedia before this workshop

3 3 3 3 3 1 2. Mean: 2.6

I have a good understanding of Wikimedia now.

4 4 5 4 5 5 4. Mean: 4.4

I will do something different in my work as a result of attending.

4 3 4 4 5 3 4. Mean: 3.9

What is the most surprising thing you learnt about in this workshop?
  • The existence of Wikidata and its use
  • Wikidata
  • Existence of BaGLAMa tool
  • The tools and applications of Wikipedia
  • Wikisource biographies
  • Wikimedia Commons provides freely re-usable video clips
  • Histropedia timelines & Reasonator for data were new to me.
Tell us at least one thing which would have improved this workshop for you
  • Looking at the slides a little longer
  • A "cheat sheet" of essential information to take away?
  • Nothing springs to mind
  • N/A
  • 3 blank
Any further comments to add - either positive or negative
  • Great presentation and content (should be compulsory for library staff!)
  • Generally very positive
  • Enjoyed this and very informative - thank you!
  • Very useful & enjoyable- Thanks!
  • 3 blank

Voltaire Foundation workshop

Ten attendees: seven women and three men. Two had to leave early and one had a positive opinion but didn't want to fill in an evaluation form. Seven evaluation forms collected.

I enjoyed this workshop (1=Strongly disagree, 5=Strongly agree)

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Mean: 5.0

I learned new things in this workshop

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Mean: 5.0

I had a good understanding of Wikimedia before this workshop

3 2 5 2 2 2 3 Mean: 2.7

I have a good understanding of Wikimedia now.

5 4 4 4 5 4 4 Mean: 4.3

I will do something different in my work as a result of attending.

5 4 5 5 5 5 3 Mean: 4.6

What is the most surprising thing you learnt about in this workshop?
  • Variety of Wiki products
  • Histropedia
  • How to find out who/where articles originate/ are edited
  • Extent of Wikipedia (in content & users worldwide)
  • The reach of the Wiki network.
  • Thoroughness of revision process of articles.
  • the breadth & range of what is possible!
Tell us at least one thing which would have improved this workshop for you
  • How we can get improvements to pages related to us.
  • Improving an actual entry
  • More time!
  • more time!
  • Hands-on practise.
  • only more time, for more discussion!
  • [one blank]
Any further comments to add - either positive or negative
  • Very useful info and approachable presenter.
  • Thank you. Please keep in touch.
  • Brilliantly useful session.
  • Very good 'to the point' overview whilst answering questions fully in an engaging manner.
  • A very interesting valuable session.
  • Thank you! Immensely helpful: this will help me to think about impact & communication issues. A Wonderful presentation
  • [one blank]

Library staff workshop, May 2017

Six attendees: four women and two men. Six evaluation forms collected.

I enjoyed this workshop (1=Strongly disagree, 5=Strongly agree)

5 5 4 4 5 4 Mean: 4.5

I learned new things in this workshop

5 5 4 4 5 4 Mean: 4.5

I had a good understanding of Wikimedia before this workshop

3 3 2 2 3 2 Mean: 2.5

I have a good understanding of Wikimedia now.

4 4 4 4 5 3 Mean: 4.0

I will do something different in my work as a result of attending.

5 5 4 3 4 3 Mean: 4.0

What is the most interesting thing you learnt about in this workshop?
  • Editing Wikisource text
  • Histropedia + the scope of Wikimedia
  • The simple & easy visualisation of lots of data/info/images
  • Wikisource
  • Page views analysis. Wikidata
  • Existence + use of Wikidata
Tell us at least one thing which would have improved this workshop for you
  • Coffee
  • More time
  • Jumped around a bit rather than logical progression
  • Longer and more in-depth
  • [2 blank]
Any further comments to add - either positive or negative
  • I'd encourage colleagues to attend.
  • Brilliant!
  • Very interesting thank you!
  • it was great, thanks! :)
  • [2 blank]

Cairns Library workshop

I think there were 15 or 16 attendees, but there were people who left early. 12 evaluation forms collected.

I enjoyed this workshop

4 5 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 Mean: 4.6

I learned new things in this workshop

4 5 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Mean: 4.8

I had a good understanding of Wikimedia before this session.

2 3 1 3 2 2 3 2 5 2 1 2 Mean: 2.3

I have a good understanding of Wikimedia now.

3 5 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 Mean: 4.4

I will do something different in my work as a result of attending.

3 4 3 2 2 2 4 3 5 5 5 5 Mean: 3.6

What is the most interesting this you learned in this session?
  • Statistics and information behind pages
  • Using Wikipedia as a way of increasing engagement / promoting research findings.
  • How to edit a Wikipedia article
  • Different wiki platforms
  • How articles are generated
  • How to edit pages
  • How to find statistics on Wiki
  • About the article review process
  • Talk pages, Wikimedia Commons
  • How Wikidata works
  • Wikimedia - scope of content + licences
  • [1 blank]
Tell us at least one thing that would have improved this workshop for you.
  • Split the session into 2 - 1 hour on Wikimedia + 1 hour on editing.
  • Some hints how I could use it in my work.
  • More practical experience
  • Handout on how to edit as my computer was slow to start and I didn't keep up with instructions
  • [8 blank]
Any further comments to add, either positive or negative?
  • Well presented information
  • It was educational and enjoyable
  • Very helpful & interesting
  • If computers could have been switched on beforehand, for practical part of session
  • Inspirational!
  • [7 blank]

IT Services workshop

Five attendees from the Technology Enhanced Learning group, the Research Support and the Department of Education. One left early, so four feedback forms were collected.

I enjoyed this workshop

5 5 5 5 Mean: 5.0

I learned new things in this workshop

5 5 5 5 Mean: 5.0

I had a good understanding of Wikimedia before this session.

4 4 3 4 Mean: 3.8

I have a good understanding of Wikimedia now.

4 5 4 4 Mean: 4.3

I will do something different in my work as a result of attending.

3 5 4 5 Mean: 4.3

What is the most interesting this you learned in this session?
  • Dynamic timelines [i.e. Histropedia]
  • History timeline / Page views / Revision views
  • Info on semantics and programmatic access
  • Statistics available about page revisions, visits, watchers, etc.
Tell us at least one thing that would have improved this workshop for you.
  • More participants (not fault of presenter!)
  • If I had more time
  • Nothing since workshop was so responsive to our questions
  • [blank]
Any further comments to add, either positive or negative?
  • Great! Thanks.
  • Really interesting- Thank you!
  • none
  • [blank]

Reflections

First workshop

  • This really, really needed to be a one-and-a-half-hour session: I'd condensed it to an hour in the hope of attracting more of an audience, but that was the wrong trade-off.
  • Some things I cut out weren't very important, but it would have been worth spending a lot more time on the "Wikipedia comprehension" section as the audience were understandably interested in quality.
  • The audience seemed most excited about Histropedia timelines, image restorations and Wikisource copy-editing: understandably, the tangible outputs.
  • A powerful exercise involved clicking the "Recent changes" button on English Wikipedia, pointing out the latest entry, then clicking "Recent changes" again. A dozen new edits had been made in those several seconds. I hadn't been planning to do that in this particular workshop, but it was a useful way to answer a question about the collaborative nature of the site.
  • I should have moved the chairs beforehand to make sure the audience sat where they could see both me and the screen.
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