Wikipedia and academia: University faculty patterns of use and perceptions of credibility

Abstract

Wikipedia is a widely used information source among students in higher education institutes but is regarded as less credible among teaching faculty. The present study is an attempt to understand how faculty perceive, use and believe Wikipedia as a credible source of information. The paper draws upon a survey data gathered from 257 university faculty members by employing the systematic random sampling technique. The analysis of collected data suggests that faculty members used Wikipedia for multiple purposes ranging from teaching and research to leisure reading. They regarded Wikipedia as a useful and credible source of information while having a positive belief in the Wikipedia project. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that faculty perceptions have grown more favorable regarding Wikipedia use, usefulness, and quality of information. Hence, our study found that faculty members were trying to integrate Wikipedia into their teaching, learning and research endeavors by allowing students to consult and cite Wikipedia information and enabling them to be critical and proficient users of Wikipedia as a part of their information-seeking, gathering, and sense-making practices. However, there is a need of moving beyond the passive consumption of content to contribute to Wikipedia content by creating new entries, and adding to and editing earlier entries. The present study would enhance our understanding of the richness, usefulness, and credibility of Wikipedia information among university faculty from a developing country’s perspective. Such understanding contributes to illustrating the global acceptance level of Wikipedia in academia as a source of information and knowledge.