The Wikipedia Library
The Wikipedia Library is an online library open to active Wikipedia editors and a resource exchange. It provides access to many reliable sources and can be accessed by any registered editor with at least 500 edits, 10 edits made in the last month, and six months of activity.
The Wikipedia Library is run by a team of Wikimedia Foundation staff and global volunteers that aim to make access and use of sources free, easy, collaborative, and efficient.
Finding sources
Publisher site access
The online library consists of authorized links to leading publishers of books and journals. The login or portal page leads to a table of badges, one for each publisher. Each badge has the publisher’s icon, a short description, and a link to the publisher’s site.
A second-layer bar across the top of the table of publishers has three buttons:
- Favorites: (the default) starred or personally selected publishers,
- My Collections: personal, directly accessible publishers, and
- All Collections: additional publishers available upon request.
Add items to Favorites by clicking the star icon on the My Collections page. (The top and side of the page are related to a search feature with limited value.)
The Access collection button opens a new browser-tab on the publishers site. Search these sites for sources. Each publishers search feature is unique and variable. Most publishers have an “Advanced” search capability and searching for an exact title, sometimes without extra subtitle text, can be effective.
Publisher sites can also be accessed as a Wikipedia library member by using web browser proxy. With the proxy active, visiting the publisher site via links in Wikipedia references will reload the source with authenticated access.
Resource sharing
The Resource Request page is a peer-to-peer system. If sources are not available in the on-line library, you can ask fellow editors to send you copies of specific sources.
Related projects
If you are unable to find what you need in TWL, you may be able to get it via the WMF resource support pilot.
Other resources
See Help:Find sources.
You may also get help at your local public library (or your school or university library, if you are a student—or staff!). Remember that paper sources, as well as those found online, can be used.
Librarians
What we do
Database access: Arrange donations of free access to paywalled resources which editors can sign up for.
Resource Exchange: A resource sharing page where editors can request a source from other editors.
How you can get involved
Translate: You can help editors who speak your language by translating the Library Card platform!
Help us with tech projects: Help complete technical tools, tasks, and changes to improve research on Wikimedia projects.
Read the newsletter: Read about and stay up to date on our recent and ongoing activities.