The Wikipedian in Residence position initially emerged as an innovative way to bridge the gap between the vast, community-driven knowledge base of Wikipedia and the authoritative, specialized collections held by cultural institutions (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums - GLAMs).

The first WiR, positioned at the British Museum in 2010, was tasked with improving the quality and scope of Wikipedia entries related to the museum's collections. This concept quickly gained traction, recognizing the mutual benefits of such collaborations: enhancing Wikipedia's content with reliable sources while increasing the visibility and accessibility of the institution's collections .

Today, WiRs are established in a variety of settings beyond traditional GLAM institutions, including universities, scientific organizations, and even governmental bodies. They work on diverse projects, from content creation and improvement to organizing edit-a-thons and training new editors, focusing on reducing content gaps on Wikipedia. WiRs also work on releasing digital collections under free licenses, enhancing the pool of freely available knowledge. The role has evolved to include a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, aiming to address systemic biases in Wikipedia's content by enriching it with information about underrepresented groups and topics .

The future of the WiR position looks promising and likely to expand in scope and impact. As digital literacy becomes increasingly important, WiRs could play a crucial role in educational initiatives, teaching skills related to information literacy, critical thinking, and online collaboration. We may see WiRs in more diverse fields and institutions, including those focusing on science and technology, healthcare, and environmental issues, reflecting the broadening scope of Wikipedia itself.

Additionally, there is potential for greater internationalization of the WiR role, with more positions in non-Western countries, enriching Wikipedia with a more global perspective. The role might also leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance content creation and curation processes.

The WiR position will likely continue to evolve in response to the changing landscape of digital information and the ongoing needs of both Wikipedia and partnering institutions. Its future directions could include more structured collaborations with academic and research communities, leveraging Wikidata and other Wikimedia projects for innovative applications, and increasingly focusing on sustainability and global challenges.

The WiR position is poised to continue growing in importance, facilitating the exchange of knowledge between Wikipedia and institutions worldwide, and empowering communities with access to reliable, diverse, and comprehensive information.

At the same time, questions and challenges have arisen around conflicts of interest as WIRs verge into politics, religion, publications, and other controversial areas? Are there limits to where a WIR can work, what they can represent, and how they must conduct their professional outreach?

Session recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/V_zKO-4P9J4?feature=shared&t=15030