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All encyclopedic content on Wikipedia must be verifiable to high-quality reliable sources. For many articles a number of these sources can be found online, allowing for easy access and verification, however this can lead to significant content biases as well as difficulty verifying content and removing unverifiable claims. For many encyclopedic topics, the best available sources are only available offline or behind paywalls, making access to the content difficult for many users because of their geographic location or financial circumstances. This essay offers a number of suggestions for gaining access to these offline sources to improve articles of perform bibliographic reviews.
Getting access yourself edit
The first step in gaining access to an offline source is to see if you already have access. WorldCat, a united catalogue of libraries across 170 countries, maintains a searchable list of libraries to help you find a library near you. around the world Local libraries may have the source you're looking for, and if your local library does not have the item you need, they may be able to get it through their interlibrary loan system. Many libraries also offer access to electronic resources such as databases or digital libraries on-site, and some may offer patrons with library cards off-site access through proxy servers. Those living near universities and similar institutions may also be able to gain access to some holdings without being an affiliate. Many university libraries are open to the public for in-person research, and some may even extend borrowing privileges to members of the community. If you're unsure about your ability to do research at a local university library, get in touch with a librarian to ask.
Ask someone edit
There are a number of Wikipedians who are willing and able to help provide access to sources for use on the encyclopedia.
- You can request a specific resource at Wikipedia:WikiProject Resource Exchange/Resource Request
- The Wikipedia Library provides a number of Wikipedians with access to academic databases for improving content. Wikipedians by access to a digital library organizes users with such access by the database they have access to, and many will be willing to share resources with you.
- Wikipedia:WikiProject Resource Exchange and the associated category has wikipedians with access to sources and willing to share them.