GLAM/Newsletter/February 2012/Contents/UK report

This Month in GLAM – Volume II, Issue II, February 2012

UK report

British Library seek Wikipedian in Residence; Black Country Museum Backstage Pass

British Library looking for a Wikipedian in Residence

It was announced this month that the British Library (in collaboration with Wikimedia UK) were in search of a Wikipedian in Residence, for a six-month, paid position at their St. Pancras building. The job description states that the WiR will be expected:

“

To encourage and increase the direct participation of S&C staff in the provision of content for Wikipedia.
To develop new articles and edit existing entries relating to AHRC projects and British Library items and collections on Wikipedia, in conjunction with curators and other colleagues.
To test and implement processes for exploiting the British Library's Access and Re-use of Digital Collections Policy within Wikimedia Foundation projects.
To establish links between S&C curatorial staff and Wikipedia volunteers.
To cultivate the relationship between Wikimedia UK and the AHRC/British Library with a view to creating possible joint projects.

”

It should be noted that at the time of publication, application is closed.

Black Country Museum Backstage Pass

On 18 February, the Black Country Living Museum, based in Tipton, near Dudley, held an editathon attended by around ten editors (a mix of Wikipedians and new recruits), as well as representatives of Birmingham Assay Office, The Pen Room, Smethwick Local Heritage group and the Black Country Society. Andy Mabbett (User:Pigsonthewing) gave a presentation on past GLAM-Wiki successes, including the Derby Museum and Art Gallery collaboration; and QRpedia and Wikimedia-UK chairman Roger Bamkin spoke about the work of the UK chapter, encouraging everyone to join. Then, after being treated to "backstage pass" tours of the museums extensive stores and archives, the editors set to work on new articles, uploading pictures they had taken to Commons, and training the new recruits.

Examples of articles created or considerably improved include:

and work continues, with several individuals planning to visit the museum's library in the near future.

However, it was generally felt that the highlight of the day was the superb, complementary fish and chip lunch, provided by the museum's 1930s chippie!

Our thanks to the museum for their hospitality, the attending organisations for the generous access to reference material and objects, and to West Midlands Conurbation Museums Officer Emma Buckler for her role in facilitating the day.

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