This document describes a Wikipedia editathon hosted by the City of Sydney library to increase diversity of voices on Wikipedia. It was held in June to celebrate Pride Month and focus on LGBT topics. Participants learned basic editing skills from Wikimedia and library staff. They edited Wikipedia pages with help from the Sydney Pride History Group and an experienced Wikipedia editor. Attendees provided positive feedback about learning new skills and finding the event well-organized despite wanting more time to make additional edits.

1. cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library
Annette Webb: Library Program Coordinator

2. Rainbow Wikipedia editathon
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library
Increasing the diversity of voices on Wikipedia

3. Rainbow Wikipedia editathon
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library
• Wikipedia 6th most visited
site on internet
• Less than 10% editors
identify as female, 85%
university educated (Wikipedia
Editors Study April 2011, Wikimedia
Community Engagement Insights/2018
Report)
• Editathons seek to redress
this imbalance and
increase diversity of voices

4. Rainbow Wikipedia editathon
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library
• SLNSW support: Wikimedia, Sydney
Wikipedians
• For new editors, adding citations more satisfying
experience than trying to write an article ,
content experts to co facilitate with experienced
editors
• New editors need lots of support, trained 10 staff
in basic editing to support editathon event

5. Rainbow Wikipedia editathon
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library
• Our first editathon, celebrated
Pride Month (June) with an
LGBT focus
• Partnered with Sydney Pride
History Group
• SPH worked closely with
Wikipedia editor to prepare
content for the day

6. Rainbow Wikipedia editathon
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library
• Tramsheds Lawn Library
location, tech
requirements, BYOD
plus laptops at site
• Participants required to
set up Wikipedia account
ahead of day
• Books, City historian on
site

7. Rainbow Wikipedia editathon
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library
“ It was a nice event. The speakers were really approachable
and friendly. My daughter and I had a great time. We learnt
some new skills and info in Wikipedia editing that we'll surely
use again!”
“It was great and very well organised! I only wish it was a little
longer so that we could make more edits.”

8. cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library
Annette Webb: Library Program Coordinator