Empowering Knowledge: Librarians and Wikimedia

Recap of the Session at Dubai International Library Conference (DILC) 2024

On November 17, 2024, the third day of the Dubai International Library Conference (DILC), an inspiring session titled “Empowering Knowledge: Librarians and Wikimedia” took place. The session featured two dynamic speakers, Serine Ben Brahim from the United Arab Emirates and Alice Kibombo from Uganda, who shared their expertise and vision on how librarians and Wikimedia can collaborate to empower communities through the sharing of knowledge.

Building Bridges Between Libraries and Wikimedia

Serine Ben Brahim, the Director of Wikimedia UAE, opened the session by discussing the importance of libraries in preserving and sharing knowledge. She emphasized how libraries are key institutions that foster learning, creativity, and public access to information. However, she pointed out that in today’s digital age, libraries face numerous challenges. One of the most pressing issues is the need to adapt to the changing landscape of information sharing and to leverage online platforms to enhance their impact.

This is where Wikimedia comes in. By aligning libraries with Wikimedia’s vast repository of open knowledge, librarians can expand their reach and provide access to high-quality, reliable information to a global audience. Serine highlighted the value of Wikimedia’s open-content model, which allows everyone, regardless of location or background, to access and contribute to the shared knowledge base.

Global Collaboration for Knowledge Sharing

Alice Kibombo, Senior Programme Officer – Libraries at Wikimedia Foundation, followed Serine’s remarks with a deep dive into how Wikimedia’s resources can be utilized by librarians around the world. Alice shared insights from her experience working with libraries in Uganda, emphasizing the role of libraries in bridging gaps in knowledge, particularly in underserved communities.

She spoke passionately about the potential of Wikimedia to empower librarians and help them create new, innovative ways to share and preserve knowledge. Alice also outlined several initiatives where Wikimedia has partnered with libraries globally to improve digital literacy and promote open knowledge. Her work in Uganda has shown that when librarians are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, they can become powerful advocates for information access and community development.

A Call to Action for Librarians

Both speakers concluded their session with a call to action for librarians worldwide. They encouraged libraries to become more involved with Wikimedia projects, stressing the importance of open knowledge in today’s rapidly changing world. The speakers emphasized that by participating in Wikimedia, librarians could not only help preserve and expand knowledge but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable information ecosystem.

The session was a compelling reminder of the unique role that libraries play in society and the powerful opportunities that exist when they collaborate with platforms like Wikimedia. As Serine and Alice both highlighted, the future of knowledge sharing is rooted in cooperation, openness, and accessibility.

Looking Forward

The discussion at DILC 2024 was a step forward in strengthening the bond between libraries and Wikimedia. As libraries around the world continue to evolve, embracing digital tools and open knowledge platforms like Wikimedia will be essential to their success. The session at DILC 2024 was not only a celebration of this collaboration but also an invitation for librarians everywhere to join the global movement of empowering knowledge through Wikimedia.

This session served as a key moment in shaping the future of library services in the digital age, and it will undoubtedly inspire many librarians to embrace the potential of Wikimedia and take part in the ongoing mission to provide open, accessible knowledge to all.