FYI: Lorcan Dempsey has some useful comments on Wikipedia on his recent (Feb
2011) blog posting http://orweblog.oclc.org/archives/002155.html --it also
links back to an earlier (2007) that discuses issues about use of Wikipedia
by students.
"Wikipedia is a collection. ... One cannot summarily judge its value in the
way that one might have done when deciding whether or not to buy or
recommend a reference book. Judgements about 'authority' and utility have to
be made at the article level, and who has the time and expertise to flag
individual articles in this way? Rather than continuing a tedious Wikipedia
good/Wikipedia bad conversation, we should recognize the attraction it has
as an addressable knowledge base, understand the variety of uses to which it
is put, and remind folks of the judgments they need to make depending on
those uses"
Professor Tara Brabazon, from the University of Brighton caused a bit of a
stir back in 2008 with her criticism of Google, Wikipedia etc..the 'white
bread of the mind.' I'm not sure if it is still banned at Brighton (or
banned in just that one department).....
Ken
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-----Original Message-----
From: A general Library and Information Science list for news and
discussion. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ward, Shirley
Sent: 04 March 2011 09:49
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Wikipedia
Hi
As a Subject librarian heavily involved in teaching Information
Literacy, I take the view that Wikipedia is a good 'starting point' for
research.
I always tell my students that they should be critical when looking at
it.
I am not aware that our university (Bolton) bans the use of Wikipedia,
but most academics would advise caution, as the Subject librarians do.
Shirley Ward
-----Original Message-----
From: A general Library and Information Science list for news and
discussion. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jo Elliot
Sent: 03 March 2011 13:36
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Wikipedia
Hi
I am a librarian at Harper Adams University College. I have been asked
to investigate the policies other universities have towards Wikipedia.
Do you allow students to use Wikipedia for research - if so do you
impose any restrictions on its use. Alternatively do you have a blanket
ban - are there any penalties for use of Wikipedia?
Many thanks for your help on this.
Regards
Jo Elliot
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