Wikis and public history – a case study of the IEEE Global History Network

Abstract

This paper measures the behavior of users of the IEEE Global History Network (GHN), a semiopen wiki with a focus in the history of electrical engineering. The MediaWiki software platform allows for the easy exhibition of thousands of documents, and is a viable method for the publication of public history. The GHN was initially opened to IEEE members and received limited engagement from the public. Usability studies were conducted on the site, and it was found that users contribute wikis when they have above average knowledge in a specific subject, and when there are limited barriers to participation. In order to expand its potential contributor base and limit barriers to access, the IEEE partnered with six other engineering societies to expand the site's scope to all engineering, and to encourage members of the technically literate general public, including historians and hobbyists, to contribute.