10 June 2025, Ali Smith. Keywords: 1Lib1Ref

The 2025 #1Lib1Ref campaign has come to a successful conclusion, thanks to the remarkable efforts of 29 editors from across Australia and New Zealand. These contributors added an impressive 1,840 references to Wikipedia during the campaign period, significantly improving the platform’s reliability.

The campaign, organised by Wikimedia Australia and Wikimedia Aotearoa New Zealand from 15 May to 5 June, aimed to encourage librarians and information professionals to improve Wikipedia’s quality through citations. Thanks to their contributions, thousands of people now access more reliable and verified information on Wikipedia every day—and that number is only expected to grow!

Together, we made a real impact

The campaign dashboard records some very impressive statistics, including:

✅ 29 editors

✅ 565 articles improved

✅ 1,840 new references added

✅ 52,200 article views (and counting!)

Why References on Wikipedia Matter

References are the backbone of Wikipedia, ensuring that the information presented is verifiable and reliable. Here are some reasons why references are so crucial:

• Combating Misinformation: In today's digital age, misinformation can spread rapidly. Well-cited articles help users distinguish between fact and fiction, providing them with accurate information backed by trustworthy sources.
• Enhancing Article Quality: Each reference added improves the depth and credibility of Wikipedia articles. Articles supported by strong citations are more likely to be taken seriously by readers and scholars alike.
• Encouraging Research and Learning: References can lead readers to further information, encouraging deeper exploration of subjects. Wikipedia is often a starting point for academic research and lifelong learning.
• Building Community Trust: As editors contribute quality references, they help build trust in Wikipedia, making it a more reliable resource for everyone.

While the campaign may have ended, the importance of your contributions will continue to be felt. Each reference added during this campaign strengthens Wikipedia's mission to provide free knowledge for all.

Join the movement

To keep that momentum going, we’d love to invite you to become a member of Wikimedia Australia. By joining the Wikimedia movement and becoming a member of the local Australian affiliate, you can continue to grow your skills, connect with like-minded individuals, help us advocate for open knowledge, and strengthen access to free, verified, trustworthy information – one edit at a time. It's never been more important.

👉 Join us here: wikimedia.org.au/wiki/Membership

We’d love to have you as part of our growing community!

Image attribution: Czytelnia Biblioteka na Koszykowej by Klarqa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons