History of Medicine Wikipedia Editathon

Date(s): 23 February 2017 - 24 February 2017

Time: 12:00-17:30 each day

Cost: Free

Age Restrictions: 16+

Booking Link: https://histmedwiki2017.eventbrite.co.uk

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD

Join us at the Festival of Creative Learning as we help make Wikipedia better!

Have you ever wondered why the information in Wikipedia is extensive for some topics and scarce for others?During the University of Edinburgh's February term break, the University's Information Services team, in association with Surgeons' Hall Museums, will run Wikipedia 'editathons' focusing on improving the quality of articles about the history of medicine.

Working together with liaison librarians, archivists & academic colleagues, we will provide training on how to edit and add information and participate in an open knowledge community. We will explore how writing Wikipedia articles develops digital literacy and academic writing skills. Participants will be supported to develop articles covering areas which could stand to be improved. Namely: Edinburgh as the birth place of medicine, distinguished Edinburgh alumni, historic locations etc.

This series of events will run over two days with focused topics. Participants can attend just once or on both days and can select topics that engage them and which need development on Wikipedia. Training, technical support and subject area advice will be provided throughout. 

Programme for Thursday 23 February

• 12pm to 12.15pm – Housekeeping and Welcome.

• 12.15pm to 12.45pm – Guest Speakers12.45pm to 2pm – Wikipedia editing training

  • Iain McIntyre – The Scottish and British Societies of the History of Medicine'
  • Alice Doyle - The Lothian Health Service Archives
  • Steve Sturdy – The History of Medicine

• 2pm to 4.30pm – Researching and editing Wikipedia pages.

• 4.30pm to 5pm – Transferring to Wikipedia’s livespace.

• 5pm to 5.30pm – End of day treat: Tour of Surgeons’ Hall Museums.

Programme for Friday 24 February

• 12pm to 12.15pm – Housekeeping and Welcome.

• 12.15pm to 12.45pm – Guest Speakers12.45pm to 2pm – Wikipedia editing training

  • David Wright - An Illustrated History of Scottish Medicine - the inside story
  • Daisy Cunynghame – The Royal College of Physicians
  • Janet Philp – Uncovering Burke and Hare

• 2pm to 4.30pm – Researching and editing Wikipedia pages.

• 4.30pm to 5pm – Transferring to Wikipedia’s livespace.

• 5pm to 5.30pm – End of day treat: Tour of Surgeons’ Hall Museums.

How do I prepare? 

Once you have registered to attend, there are a few things you can do to prepare before you attend:

• Create a Wikipedia account

• Learn about editing if you like: visit the Wikipedia Tutorial, or Getting started on Wikipedia for more information

• Think about what article you would like to edit - you can even prepare some materials to bring with you on the day

• Bring a fully charged laptop - the room being used will have a charging station should you need to top up.

Suitable for age 16+