Spring/Summer 2020

Vision

This informal learning discussion group hopes to introduce an overview of Wikidata and its relationship to linked data principles and ongoing work. Discussions and workshops will touch on how and why Wikidata can pertain to library, archives, and other cultural heritage work. As Wikidata gains traction, LIS practitioners and students should explore the potential of introducing these technologies into their work in an effort to utilize the full capabilities of the web. University of Texas staff from a variety of units and departments including LLILAS Benson, Harry Ransom Center, and UT Libraries seeks to develop opportunities for all library staff, LIS students, and local practitioners to prepare themselves to explore new areas of work.

Discussion participants should leave with an core understanding Wikidata, how it can be applied to their work, the overlap of Wikidata with Linked Data capabilities, as well as some core foundations of Wikidata tools. No prior knowledge of Wikidata needed. A basic understanding of Linked Data is useful (please refer to slides and resources on previous informal learning sessions on Linked Data for a quick overview)

Also join the listserv for communication and sharing between and beyond these sessions: https://utlists.utexas.edu/sympa/info/ld-learning 

Readings 

FIND & DOWNLOAD Spring/Summer2020 readings: https://utexas.box.com/v/UT-LearnLinkedData

Focus

Discussion topics will focus on analyzing and discussing the use, structure, and implementations of Wikidata in other relevant project, initiatives, and fields.

Targeted Audience

This informal learning discussion group aims to attract current library and archival staff at the University of Texas at Austin in particular those currently working with digital libraries or digital archival collections. Attendees do not need to possess familiarity with Wikidata, but should be either aware of its existence or currently in the planning stages of implementing a Wikidata or Wikipedia focused project or effort. While this is the core-targeted group, discussions are open to the general UT community including faculty, staff, and students. 

Approaches

Discussion participants will use a mixed approach including readings, personal reflections, interactions with digital tools and platforms, and case study analysis from discussion facilitator and group members. 

Objectives

Discussion participants should leave with an understanding of a local case study and how it applies to other projects. 

Discussion Dates and Meeting Details

Discussions will be held monthly between the months of October through December of 2019 lasting roughly 1.5 hour each in the same location. Times, locations, and dates are subject to change, please refer to the calendar invite or this webpage for the most up to date information.

Discussion Topic Schedule