From “Don’t Use It” to “Let’s Edit!”

Abstract

Students can develop the research skills outlined in the ARLIS/NA Art, Architecture, and Design Information Competencies through the process of editing content on Wikipedia. This article situates the competencies for art and design students within the literature on information literacy and the applications of Wikipedia in the college classroom. With a focus on art history, the art information competencies are mapped to the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education and implemented in one-shot instruction sessions. Inspired by the success of the Art+Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thons, the author demonstrates how art librarians can build upon the success of these events and outreach initiatives to incorporate Wikipedia into information literacy instruction for art history students.