Another look at WikiPedia
At Wesley Fryer’s blog, “Moving at the Speed of Creativity,” he has posted a thoughtful piece on WikiPedia, entitled, “WikiPedia gives good citation advice.” He notes not only that WikiPedia helps those who would cite it, but further that the following warning is given:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Most educators and professionals do not consider it appropriate to use tertiary sources such as encyclopedias as a sole source for any information — citing an encyclopedia as an important reference in footnotes or bibliographies may result in censure or a failing grade. Wikipedia articles should be used for background information, as a reference for correct terminology and search terms, and as a starting point for further research.
As with any community-built reference, there is a possibility for error in Wikipedia’s content — please check your facts against multiple sources and read our disclaimers for more information.
Wesley Fryer’s post is filled with other interesting arguments on a measured use of WikiPedia. An issue that I believe needs to be discussed is the quality of the non-English articles and how they are viewed in those countries.
