2025:Program/An overview of the tools and workflows for mapping knowledge gaps on Wikipedia
Session title: An overview of the tools and workflows for mapping knowledge gaps on Wikipedia
- Session type: Demonstration
- Track: Research
- Language: en
đ„ Session recording: https://commons.wikimedia.org/?curid=173734960 đ„
Despite Wikipediaâs success in providing a wealth of human knowledge, significant knowledge gaps still exist. These gaps hinder our ability to deliver comprehensive and accurate coverage of various critical topics. This session will provide an overview of the tools and workflows used by the Wikimedia community to identify and map knowledge gaps. Additionally, weâll highlight real-world demonstrations and include the opportunities and challenges in designing new tools and workflows.
Description
In this session, we will explore the tools and workflows used by the Wikimedia community to identify and map knowledge gaps on Wikipedia. Knowledge gaps are an important concept which puts our ability to serve our users at risk. We will start with an overview of existing knowledge gaps, followed by a hands-on demonstration of tools that help categorize and track missing articles. While current tools allow editors to track gaps, there is a need for more nuanced tools that prioritize gaps based on criteria such as notability, urgency, and relevanceâtopics that will be discussed in the session. We will also explore how WikiProjects and curated wishlists facilitate collaboration in addressing knowledge gaps within specific topic areas. Additionally, we will cover less explored workflows like keyword indexing, API queries, and navboxes to help editors systematically identify missing content and underrepresented topics. Participants will also learn about the potential of machine-augmented workflows, including bots and automated tools, to maintain up-to-date lists and flag knowledge gaps. By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of the current state of knowledge gap mapping on Wikipedia and how these tools and workflows contribute to enhancing the platform. They will leave with practical insights on how to incorporate these tools into their own editing practices or community-building initiatives.
- How does your session relate to the event theme, Wikimania@20 â Inclusivity. Impact. Sustainability?
This session aligns with the theme "Impact," focusing on how projects and contributors can identify topics for impact in line with the Movement Strategy Recommendations. By sharing best practices in mapping impactful knowledge gaps, we can enhance their discoverability, increasing the likelihood of these gaps being addressed more quickly.
- What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?
Average knowledge about Wikimedia projects or activities
Resources
Speakers
- netha
- Netha Hussain is a volunteer at the Wikimedia movement since 2010. She has worked on content creation, research, and outreach surrounding gender and medicine. Her recent work is in mapping and bridging the knowledge gaps in women's health on Wikipedia. Outside of Wikimedia, she is a medical doctor and researcher working at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Matthew Yeager
- Informed from a career in tech and product development, I've returned to the editing community focusing on how tech can help local knowledge grow. I'm excited to share modern tech solutions to knowledge gap challenges and connect with others who are passionate about it.