1 of 9

BUILDING DIGITAL LIBRARIANS:

Training Librarians to Contribute to Open Knowledge

By

Ibekeme Merit

2

+

2

+

2

+

2 of 9

WHY LIBRARIANS + WIKIMEDIA PROJECTS?

2

+

2

+

2

+

2

+

2

+

3 of 9

LIBRARIANS ARE:

3

2

+

01

02

03

Guardians of Knowledge

Information Professionals

Knowledge Organisers

2

+

2

+

4 of 9

WHY LIBRARIANS + WIKIMEDIA PROJECTS?

4

Both share a common mission - to make knowledge freely and reliably accessible to everyone.
Contributing to Wikimedia platforms like Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Wikimedia Commons allows librarians to extend their impact from the physical library to the global digital space.

4

2

+

5 of 9

A Case Study of Gombe Librarians Training

5

2

+

2

+

2

+

2

+

2

+

6 of 9

HOW WE ENGAGED THE LIBRARIANS

The Librarians were introduced to three wikimedia projects, Wikipedia, Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons.

6

2

+

7 of 9

CHALLENGES FACED

Time constraints
Internet access
Technical proficiency/Digital gap
Finding Reliable Local Sources
Fear of Making Mistakes Publicly
Motivation Drops After Training

We provided recorded videos, reading materials, and step-by-step guides for self-paced learning.
Digital literacy training before the main training
Recognize contributions with certificates, edit-a-thon prizes, and they were added to Gombe Wikimedia Community for continued support.

SOLUTIONS

7

2

+

2

+

2

+

8 of 9

OUTCOME

8

Enhanced digital literacy.
Stronger global knowledge community connection

8

2

+

9 of 9

THANK YOU

Get Involved

📧 Contact:meritkosy@gmail.com

9

2

+

2

+

2

+