Do you use Wikipedia for health sciences information, even though you feel like you shouldn’t? Despite widespread skepticism of its value, studies have shown that the quality of information on Wikipedia is similar to other encyclopedias. In this 90 minute session, you will first learn about Wikipedia’s biomedical content and how to evaluate and use it effectively. You will then learn how to contribute to improving Wikipedia by editing biomedical articles. In honor of National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week (March 20-24, 2023) this class will focus on articles about health topics particularly relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.

Class materials will be made available to class attendees. This class will not be recorded.

By the end of this class, participants will be able to:

• Describe two benefits and two challenges of using Wikipedia as an information resource.
• Describe the standards that guide the creation of biomedical content on Wikipedia.
• Evaluate a Wikipedia health article for completeness and reliability.
• Use a Wikipedia health article as a starting point to locate further health information.
• Make an edit to a Wikipedia health article.

Registration is required. Please register here.