The National Book Council (NBC) is excited to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Wikimedia Community Malta (WCM) to create the first-ever Wikipedia project dedicated to the prestigious National Book Prize (NBP). This initiative marks a significant milestone in promoting local literary achievements and enhancing the visibility of the Maltese publishing industry.

Through this partnership, the NBC and WCM aim to engage the public, students, and literary enthusiasts in enriching Wikipediaโ€™s coverage of Maltese literature by highlighting the NBPโ€™s history from its inception in 1971, its winners, and its broader cultural significance. By joining forces with WCM, the NBC is making a notable contribution to a structured database of Maltese literature and providing a platform for enthusiasts to participate in preserving this rich heritage.

WCM will appoint a dedicated coordinator to oversee this project, supported by volunteers who wish to contribute to the development of the NBP Wikipedia project. This role will be compensated accordingly, ensuring that the project is managed efficiently and accurately. The volunteers, ranging from post-secondary and university students to literature lovers, historians, and those passionate about the Maltese publishing industry, will be instrumental in compiling and populating the world’s largest online encyclopaedia with valuable information.

This collaborative effort particularly appeals to various groups, including students with an interest in literary prizes and Maltese history, lovers of Melitensia, and anyone who seeks to deepen their understanding of the Maltese literary scene. The project offers a unique opportunity to learn how Wikipedia really works, engage with the vibrant Maltese publishing landscape, and contribute to an ongoing digital literary legacy.

Interested in learning more or joining this exciting initiative? The NBC and WCM will be hosting a series of events during the Malta Book Festival. These include:

Edit-a-thon for the General Public: Learn how to contribute to the new Wikipedia page dedicated to the National Book Prize and help shape the future of Maltese literary history. For more information, visit this link.

Information Session for Post-Secondary Students: Discover the process of editing Wikipedia and how to participate in the development of the NBP project on Wikipedia. Details can be found here.

Stay tuned for announcements about the role of the โ€˜Wikimedian in Residenceโ€™ and further updates on this collaboration!


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