The Bodleian Libraries organised an editathon focusing on the Queen Victoria's Journals online resource (www.queenvictoriasjournals.org), hosted at Radcliffe Science Library (Bodleian Libraries), Oxford, on Friday 24 May 2013, to coincide with Queen Victoria's birthday. The day included a short talk and a tour through the online resource from the Queen Victoria's Journals project staff as well as a visit to the Bodleian Library's current exhibition, Magical Books - From the Middle Ages to Middle-earth. While organising, the event was supported by Wikimedia UK volunteer Andrew Gray, additionally some support was given with promotion and organisation by WMUK office.
We aimed to improve the coverage of individuals and events mentioned by Queen Victoria in her diaries and journals. The journals have been transcribed and digitised; they are available online by subscription and were made available for free global use for a limited time to coincide with the anniversary of Queen Victoria's birthday on 24 May. The project staff have created a list of people as well as a timeline of events mentioned in Queen Victoria's journals.
Virtual participation was also very welcome.
Date: Friday 24 May 2013, 1pm-4pm (introduction from project staff at 1pm; visits to exhibition from 4pm)
Participants: Several staff members and some external writers as well as interested Wikipedians. There was space for around 30 people in total. We included some training for newcomers.
Registration: Below and also captured on Eventbrite.
Cost: Free!
Contacts: Any questions? Please contact Liz McCarthy or communicationsbodleian.ox.ac.uk
We were based in a computer lab; but people were also able to connect to wifi and use own laptops.
The event began at 1pm and was held in the Training Room at the Radcliffe Science Library, Oxford (directions). A staff member was on hand to guide people through.
4 were newcomers to Wikimedia projects, who received 1-1 tuition from the trainers present. 25% of audience was female.
The list below is the sign up page before the event. On the day, there were 11 people present in total (including trainers) in person. All the people contributing during the event can be seen here.
The Bodleian Libraries would value contributions to improve and create articles relating to all areas of Victorian life, particularly those names, topics and places mentioned by Queen Victoria in her journals. This includes:
Events and places of historical importance, such as the Coronation of Queen Victoria, various battles and wars, palaces and homes related to Queen Victoria
To answer any questions participants might have had before attending.
Do I have to register to attend, or can I just arrive on the day?
It's not essential, but it's helpful. You can add your name to the participants list above and register on our event page.
Do I need to have a Bodleian Libraries reader card?
No. (But you might want one if you edit Wikipedia and need to look things up in Bodleian Libraries collections.)
Do I need to have a Wikipedia or Wikimedia account set up before I turn up?
No. But it is strongly advised that you set up an account before the event and let us know what it is! Some articles (including Queen Victoria) are restricted from editing, and an account created on the day may not be able to edit them.
Is there a minimum number of Wikipedia edits I have to have made to be allowed to attend?
Not at all! All are welcome - even if you've never edited Wikipedia before. Being "a Wikipedian" is a self-defined thing, so if you call yourself a Wikipedian (or would like to become one) then come along.
Do I have to be a member of Wikimedia UK?
No, this is open to all. If you're interested in membership, you can find out more about membership here.
Do you have to own/bring a laptop?
The event will take place in a computer lab, so there is no need to bring a laptop. You are welcome to bring your own, however, if you would like. Info about wireless access will be provided.
It is possible to come along and take notes on paper for subsequent use. NB that in the reading rooms, pens are not allowed, only pencils.
Are there any age limits?
Not to attend the event. However, if you want a Bodleian Libraries readers card, there may be age restrictions. Please visit Bodleian Libraries Admissions for more details.
Is it just Wikipedia? What about the other projects?
Any Wikimedia project editors (such as Wikisource, Wikiquote, Wikibooks and Wikiversity) are welcome if you think that your project may benefit from real-life collaboration at the Bodleian Libraries.
Is remote participation viable?
Yes! Please use the list of articles below as a starting place. The IRC channel for the event will be irc|wikipedia-glam which can be used to discuss changes or ask for help in real time from anywhere.
