Applying For Wikimedia Resident and Scholar Programs

The Wikimedian in Residence (WiR) and the Wikimedia Visiting Scholars programs have been running internationally and in Australia since 2010. Each program varies from institution to institution, but they all aim to enhance access to quality research sources and expert knowledge through partnerships with universities, libraries, museums and other institutions.

A resident or scholar can work with staff, volunteers, students and the wider community to train in the Wikimedia projects, advocate for free sharing of knowledge, or help an organisation to share their collections openly.

What is a Wikimedian in Residence or Wikimedia Visiting Scholar?

Wikimedian in Residence (WiR) is a well-established and flexible model for organisations to support Wikimedia activities. WiRs have been hosted by a range of institutions such as universities, museums, and libraries. They may work on any Wikimedia platform to undertake a variety of roles, including writing and editing Wikipedia articles, managing dataset uploads on Wikidata, media uploads on Wiki Commons, or training and running edit-a-thons. WiRs are usually in paid positions for a set period of time supported by their host organisation. For more information see: Wikimedian in residence.

Wikimedia Visiting Scholars have been hosted by universities or libraries which provide access to institutional collections to support Wikipedia editors or other Wikimedia contributions to develop or enhance content. Scholars are generally unpaid positions but may receive an honorarium. These positions provide expert editors with access to both knowledge resources and a community of experts. For more information see: Wikipedia: Visiting Scholars.

Who can be a WiR/Scholar?

WiRs/Scholars may be experienced contributors to Wikimedia platforms or inexperienced but with other relevant skills valuable for the host organisation. Several characteristics make especially effective Wikimedians in Residence:

Experience or a demonstrated willingness to learn how to work with digital or online communities or with volunteer organising.
Experience communicating with different kinds of audiences.
Ability to learn and teach technical skills and community dynamics.
Experience working with professionals from the kinds of professional communities at or supported by the institution.
Comfort and experience doing writing and research.
Comfort with technology, and contributing to social media and online platforms.

Duration

Most residencies and scholar roles are for at least 3 months and may go for 12 months or longer. A regular weekly time commitment is required and WiRs or Scholars may be engaged on a full-time or part-time basis. At least 1 day per week is recommended for WiRs while scholar roles may be more ad hoc.

Funding

WiRs/Scholars may be paid or unpaid positions depending on the program adopted with funds provided by the host institution. External funding may be available from Wikimedia Australia in the form of a grant or co-funding depending on the nature of the project and available funds. Financial support for public events and edit-a-thons may also be provided.

Establishing a WiR/Scholar at your organisation

Identify the goals for the resident/scholar
Confirm the format: duration, hours per week etc.
Secure funds and permissions for access to resources
Contact WMAU for advice and promotion
Recruit a resident/scholar
Undertake and support the activities of the residency program across the organisation and with the Wikimedia Australia community
Monitor and receive progress reports and a final report as required.

Institution responsibilities

Designate a key contact person for the role to help the WiR/Scholar get connected and familiar with the organisation’s staff, research interests and resources.
Create a plan for the WiR role, focus and success criteria with scope for adapting as the residency develops.
Designate a workspace and computing equipment if required.
Support some level of institutional and broader engagement activities
Understand what is acceptable and not acceptable within Conflict of Interest policies, and other related on-wiki policies.

Support

The Wikimedia Foundation (WMF) and Wikimedia Australia (WMAU) support institutional partnerships where organisations engage in sharing information, comply with the community rules, participate in social discourse, and support Wikimedia’s mission and values.

In all cases it is important that the host institution engages with the Wikimedian and that the purpose is to develop impartial knowledge resources of value to the wider community as well as the institution.

Extensive support and information is also available online on how to edit and participate in Wikimedia platforms and the Wikimedia Australia board and community will provide ongoing support and advice to the host organisation and the WiR/Scholar over the course of the residency as far as practicable.

Depending on the nature of the role, mentorships may be able to be provided by expert community members. WiRs/Scholar roles may be initiated by individuals, groups or institutions and do not need to be approved by WMAU or the WMF however we recommend consulting with the WMAU board and posting details on WMAU and WMF websites to promote the program and enhance engagement and community support.

Conflict of interest

Wikipedia has a “policy with legal implications” on disclosure of paid contributions and a conflict of interest behavioural guideline. However well-established program procedures are in place for identifying a WiR and guidelines on ensuring compliance with WMF rules.

Contact

If you’re interested in hosting a WiR/Scholar, or interested in becoming one, please contact: contact@wikimedia.org.au