What This Document Is
This document is an academic article titled “In Defense of Wikipedia” by Diane Murley, originally published in the *Law Library Journal* in 2008. It explores the often-debated role of Wikipedia as a research source, particularly within higher education. The author challenges the common practice of discouraging students from using Wikipedia and proposes a more nuanced approach.
Why This Document Matters
This article is valuable for anyone involved in education, especially instructors in composition, research methods, or library science. It’s also relevant for students navigating the challenges of online research and source evaluation. The piece addresses a common tension between readily available online resources and academic rigor, offering a perspective on how to bridge the gap. It’s particularly useful for understanding the historical context of the debate surrounding Wikipedia’s credibility.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This article does not offer a definitive “yes” or “no” answer on Wikipedia’s suitability as a source. It doesn’t provide a comprehensive guide to all online research tools, nor does it detail specific citation styles. It focuses specifically on the arguments *for* incorporating Wikipedia into research instruction, rather than a full cost-benefit analysis.
What This Document Provides
The full article includes:
* An overview of Wikipedia’s origins and collaborative editing process.
* Discussion of the reasons why many educators discourage Wikipedia use.
* Arguments for teaching students how to evaluate Wikipedia articles critically.
* Suggestions for using Wikipedia as a teaching tool for source evaluation.
* Statistical data about Wikipedia’s size and contributor base as of 2008.
This preview provides a high-level overview of the article’s central argument and scope. It does *not* include the detailed explanation of Wikipedia’s editing process, specific evaluation strategies, or the author’s suggestions for classroom implementation.