The Libraries and the Wikimedia together: The two-edged swords of blending information

Abstract

Libraries revel in new services and sharing of unique content. It was, therefore pure joy for librarians and libraries in Nigeria when they blended with Wikimedia and started telling new stories with activities that mix, mash, and, meld. It is not an overstatement to mention that libraries are flexible institutions that adopt, adapt, and integrate different formats that suit every era. As the global trend is about information in digital content, there is a need for the transformation of information resources, while mingling with organizations that share the same values and goals. Here comes, Wikimedia. The Nigerian Library Association, Anambra State Chapter stepped into the creation of digital content, translation and upload of indigenous knowledge into Wikimedia. The librarians were trained with grants and resources from Wikimedia Foundation and User Groups. They started training the community members, professionals, Faculties, and students on media, and information literacy skills. More community-driven initiatives and collaborations were drawn to support libraries on community knowledge. There are activities on cultural heritage, linking data, resource sharing, networking, open access with accurate and authentic sources. The librarians are now championing Wikimedia activities on digital content creation. The journey has just begun and the information is unlimited.