Introduction to Wikipedia and Notability Guidelines

By Muib Shefiu

On Wiki Skills Mentorship

Muib Shefiu (Ibjaja055)

• Ibjaja055 is an experienced Wikimedia Project Editors with over three years experience.
• He is currently a patroller on Wikipedia where he review new articles and draft.
• He has created close to 300 articles and close to 26, 000 edits across wikimedia projects.
• He is the founder of the Afrodemics projects and the 2023 Wikimedia User Group Editor of the year.
• In 2024, He was among the top 40 AfC reviewer in the world.

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Learning objectives

At the end of the training, the participants would be able to;

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1. Understand Notability on Wikipedia
2. Differentiate among General notability guidelines, specific notability guidelines and non notable articles

Notability

Notability refers to whether a topic meets Wikipedia's guidelines for inclusion based on significant coverage in reliable, independent sources.

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A subject must have received sustained attention from reputable sources, such as books, newspapers, academic papers, or other verifiable publications.

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Types of Notability

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The General Notability Guidelines (GNG)

The Specific Notability Guidelines (SNG)

WP:GNG

1. For the GNG, a topic is notable if it has significant coverages, independent and reliable sources.

THE WIKIPEDIA SIR!

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The SIR

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Significant coverage – more than just passing mentions.

Reliable sources – established media, academic journals, books, etc.

Independent sources – not self-published, official websites, or press releases.

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Brain Check

A viral TikToker with no independent media coverage

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A local musician featured in major newspapers and music magazines

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A company with only self-published reports and a website

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The SNG

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Wikipedia’s Specific Notability Guidelines (SNG) provide extra criteria for notability beyond the General Notability Guidelines (GNG) in certain subject areas.

The Academic and Scientists

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1. Must have made significant contributions, widely cited research (anything above 20h index),
2. received major award
3. the highest person in a tertiary institution (University)
4. Belong to a distinguished academic membership

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Books

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Must have been reviewed in reliable sources, won awards, or achieved significant sales.

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Company or Organisations

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For a company or organization to meet Wikipedia's Specific Notability Guidelines (SNG), it must have significant media coverage in reliable, independent sources such as major newspapers, business magazines, or academic publications.

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Musicians and Bands

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Must have national or international recognition, charted albums, or major award nominations.

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Example: An artist whose album ranked on the Billboard Top 100.

An artist with two or more hit albums

An artist with Awards like Grammy

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Politicians

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Must hold significant elected office or receive widespread media attention.

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Example: A member of parliament or a governor.

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Athletes or Sport people

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Must have competed at a professional, national, or international level.

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Example: A footballer who has played in the FIFA World Cup.

A player who has played in the recognised highest league of any nation

A player who has been called up for a continental cup like AFCON, EURO etc

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Any Bio

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1. Any other Bio must have significant coverages in different reliable and independent newspaper.
2. Has received notable award like OFR, OON and so on.
3. Puff and promotional pieces do not count toward GNG, beware!

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EVALUATION

Thank you very much!

Let’s explore the practical session