User:Frostly/sandbox/Vision for WikiProject Resource Access
October 1, 2023 edit
Background edit
The current process at WikiProject Resource Exchange is often lacking. The extent of volunteer access to a wide array of resources is limited. This causes many editors, especially those of a disadvantaged socioeconomic background, to be unable to contribute content due to the cost of accessing reliable sources. Discussion on Discord and User talk:BilledMammal/2023 Wikimedia RfC clearly demonstrate that there is broad support for the use of Foundation funds to purchase access to reliable sources due to its direct benefit to the community.
Implementation edit
Request Rapid Grant with amount of $500 USD as pilot. Requests at WP:REX can be fulfilled with grant funding if they are not answered by a volunteer within seven days. Requests over $50 USD in value will not be fulfilled. Each editor may request a maximum of two resources during the pilot. Resources purchased with grant funding are stored in a Google Drive folder so that they can be accessed in the future if needed. Access should generally be limited to abide by fair use principles (eg send chapters of books or sections of articles instead of the whole documents). Aim to provide resources to ten editors and facilitate the creation or improvement of five articles.
Archived content
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The current process at the Resource Exchange is a great way for many Wikipedians to get access to sources with the help of other fellow Wikipedians. However, while many requests are successfully resolved and resources accessed, there are many requests that "fall through the cracks" and unfortunately don't receive the resources that are requested. On this page, I'm laying out a vision for a WikiProject Resource Access that uses grant and donated funds to provide access to resources for editors. It's currently just a rough layout of a few key points, not a full-fledged WikiProject proposal, and it would take a lot of help to realize. If you would be interested in working with me on a more concrete proposal, please reach out.
The visionRequests at the Resource Exchange that are not marked as resolved are automatically moved to the WP Resource Access requests page by a bot. PhasesPhase 1: BetaA Rapid Grant of $500 is requested. A limited beta is launched on Meta for 31 days, with a limit of 1 request per editor. Funds are stored solely in one user's bank account. All other requirements and guidelines are followed. After the Beta, feedback is solicited and the project is evaluated. Phase 2: LaunchIf the Beta is successful, a request to create a User Group is created. A request to use the Open Collective Foundation as a fiscal host is opened, and a Collective at Open Collective is opened for holding funds. A request for a grant from the Wikimedia Community Fund is opened. CoordinatorsCoordinators are a key part of this project. Benefits
Requirements for coordinators
Rules for coordinators
Requirements for access
Each editor is asked to not request resources that they can already access, for example, but not limited to, through organizations such as libraries and schools. Financial workingsThe Open Collective Foundation will be used as a fiscal host. Open Collective will be used, and specifically Open Collective virtual credit cards. For physical resources, coordinators must purchase resources themselves and request a reimbursement. Pricing policyResources can be approved without coordinator consensus if they are under $50 U.S. dollars after tax. If resources are over $50 U.S. dollars after tax, the request is automatically put on hold and coordinator consensus must be reached. If consensus is not reached, the request is declined. Requests under $50 U.S. dollars count as 1 credit, and requests over 50 US dollars count as 2. The coordinators may choose to specify a custom amount of credits for a request. CreditsThe Resource Access WikiProject operates on a credit basis. When Phase 2 is reached, 5 credits will be available to each contributor per month. Coordinators receive 1 extra credit each month for their service. Editors who do not meet the requirements for access but show promising activity may be granted fewer credits than the usual limit of 5 per month on a probationary basis. TraineeNew coordinators will be welcomed on a 3-month trainee basis. Being a trainee simply means that they can be removed at any time, and that sometimes their judgement might need to be referred to full coordinators. Trainees will be taught the day-to-day needs. Responsibilities of coordinators
Non-coordinator ways to help
Request formatting
Template replies:
Evaluation of existing TWLThe Wikipedia Library is an existing project with many similar goals as this vision.
December 11, 2022Given the existing TWL program, it would likely be best to plan updates to the previous infrastructure rather than a separate project.
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