The WikiConference USA presentation proposal and scholarship deadlines are fast approaching!
Do you have an experience, a problem, a solution, or a question you’d like answered? Have a theory or a new strategy for improving the community, outreach, technological infrastructure, or connections to institutions like museums, libraries, or academia? Then WikiConference USA is your chance to network, brainstorm, collaborate and learn.
Last year’s event saw speakers address a gamut of topics. We saw presentations including MOOCs, socializing students to Wikipedia, and Wiki Ed shared our Seven Biggest Mistakes. There were sixteen panels of interest to librarians, exploring how different types of libraries engage with Wikipedia, including case studies.
This year, WikiConference USA will take place at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., October 9–11. We’ve watched the connections between Wikipedia and higher education strengthen, and we’re excited to see discussions that highlight the power, challenges, and opportunities that have emerged as a result.
The event is open to anyone with an interest in Wikipedia or related Wikimedia projects. One goal of the conference is to build better connections and understanding between academia and the Wikimedia movement in the United States. That’s why conference organizers are seeking Wikipedia volunteers, researchers, academics, librarians, and curatorial staff to come together and share ideas and perspectives.
Anyone can submit a conference session proposal. There are a list of themes and timelines for proposals, as well as instructions on how to submit, on the WikiConference USA submissions page. You can find a submission template here.
The WikiConference USA planning committee is also making scholarships available to cover the cost of travel and stay in Washington, D.C. Both presentation and scholarship requests must be submitted by August 31, 2015. This is an ideal opportunity for students who have made outstanding contributions to Wikipedia and want to learn more or get more deeply involved in the movement. More information on scholarships can be found here.
Please note that while the Wiki Education Foundation is a sponsor of WikiConference USA, all conference programming and scholarship decisions will be made exclusively by volunteers from the scholarship committee.
We hope to see you in Washington, D.C.!
Photo: “2014 WikiConferenceUSA 06” by AWang (WMF) – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
