Description

This module introduces participants to the process of creating and enhancing Wikidata entries for natural history collectors, aiming to improve the visibility of underrepresented contributors to scientific collections. The module begins with background information, including an overview of Wikidata, its connection to other Wikimedia projects, and its role as a hub for linked open data. It explains how anyone can contribute to Wikidata and highlights the platform's significance in fostering inclusivity in the scientific community.

The first part of the module guides participants through setting up a Wikidata account and logging in. The second part focuses on becoming an "internet sleuth," teaching participants how to gather reliable information about natural history collectors from various sources. In the third and most detailed section, participants learn how to create a new Wikidata item, add key statements (such as occupation and identifiers), include references, and use optional features like qualifiers and images to enrich the item. Practical steps for selecting high-quality references and analog sources are also covered.

Finally, the module includes two appendices: one listing potential properties to use for scientific collectors and another providing external identifiers for people. By completing this module, participants will gain the skills to contribute to a more inclusive scientific record through the creation of comprehensive Wikidata entries.

 
Classroom Management

Time to Complete: varying, but we suggest multiple class periods (8+ hours)

Implementation Notes

This module is designed for an advanced undergraduate or graduate student audience, with the instructor having prior familiarity with digitized natural history collections data and searching for historical records.

One of the hardest parts of implementation is generating a list of collectors/identifiers for the students to work on. We suggest using existing datasets in Bionomia. See Generating Collector/identifier lists below.

The proposed setup for this module is an in-class activity that walks students through creating a Wikidata item for a natural history collector and then adding referenced statements and identifiers to that item.

Proposed Timeline

Overview (1 hour, during class)

• Background information on Wikidata (see resources in Additional Information below)

Student Activity (3+ hours, over multiple in-class periods or homework)

• Part 1 - Creating a new Wikidata account and logging in (homework)
• Part 2 - Becoming an internet sleuth to collect the data on your natural history collector (1-2 hours during class or homework)
• Part 3 - Creating a new Wikidata item (2-3 hrs during class)

 
Corresponding author: Siobhan Leachman, Wikimedia Aotearoa New Zealand (siobhan.leachman@gmail.com)

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