The Library is celebrating International Open Access Week from Oct. 21 – 27; which begs the question, what is open access?
Open access is a worldwide movement to make knowledge accessible to everyone. It stems from the belief that scholars produce knowledge to benefit and enrich our society, and that knowledge can do the most good if it is shared. Open access usually refers to scholarly writing and research that is available freely, digitally, and without restrictions to access.
What are the benefits of open access?
- Research is quickly and widely disseminated, moving scholarship forward and benefiting society
- Scholars and students can access the research they need in a timely manner
- Universities in developing regions have access to far more research, promoting global equity and social justice
- The public has access to research that it supports and fund through tax dollars
To commemorate Open Access Week, The Murray-Green Library and the St. Clair Drake Center for African and African American Studies are sponsoring a Wikipedia edit-a-thon in which participants will expand the content of Wikipedia pages relating to Professor St. Clair Drake.
The edit-a-thon will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Wabash Building. Room will be announced. This is a drop-in event; attendees do not need to be present for the entire time.
Here are some questions and answers about the edit-a-thon:
What’s a Wikipedia edit-a-thon?
Attendees will collaborate to find relevant sources, write and edit content, and update and create new Wikipedia pages. Guidance and support will be available from experts in African American Studies and Wikipedia editing procedures.
I’ve never created Wikipedia content – is this for everyone?
Absolutely. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate. You’ll learn how to create an account and start editing along with help from local Wikipedia experts.
How will students, faculty, and staff benefit from attending the Wikipedia edit-a-thon?
Participants will:
• Be able to edit wikis properly
• Understand the social nature of knowledge creation on Wikipedia in contrast to how other information resources are created
• Be able to identify and use authoritative sources
• Understand the legal and ethical issues around Wikipedia as an open source/open access resource
Information for faculty:
Consider offering extra credit to your students for attending, especially if they are doing research or if you will be discussing Wikipedia in your course. This event is on the First Year Seminar passport under the Thinking category.
For more information and updates: http://libguides.roosevelt.edu/oaweek
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