2013 Activity Plan/GLAM Wikimedians in Residence

Description

We have begun to part-fund Wikimedian in Residence positions. The number of positions depends on negotiations with partner institutions about how a Wikimedian in Residence fits with their organisation and how much funding they will make available.This budget can therefore stretch to cover different numbers of WiR with varying length contracts. This is the first year we are funding these projects in a formal way.

These posts build strong bridges with institutions and also act as a focus for community involvement and development.

Amount

£30,000

Budget responsibility

Chief Executive

Timetable for activities

A big recruitment drive in November/December 2012 to encourage applications: more information on office wiki or here. This has been successful with many good quality enquiries - they have been carried over to 2013-14 financial year. Three have been approved and put forward in Spring 2013, and further three in Autumn 2013. The details of the current residencies can be found here, together with the project plans for the residencies.

Discussions to set up further residencies - ongoing.

Success Criteria

• That good quality WiRs are selected.
• A clear programme of activities is established and delivered in consultation with their hosts.
• Resident report regularly about their activities.

Risks

• Reputation and conflicts of interest. WMUK is putting in place contracts to protect both parties and the WiR themselves.
• WiRs are unable to bridge their host community, the Wikimedia UK community and the general population (Countermeasure: Support the GLAM network with shared case studies, workshopping and mobilize support as needed for key points in the most visible projects.)
• Funding will not be scalable as demand increases (Countermeasure: Build relationships with significant independent funding bodies)