GLAM User Group
In March 2025, the informal working group met for the first time to discuss a way forward for a GLAM Leadership & Organizational Structure Solution (GLOSS). In short, how might we form an organizational structure within the Wikimedia movement, such as an affiliate?
Why is a formal structure for the GLAM, Culture and Heritage Sector needed in the Wikimedia community?
- Advocacy & Representation – A centralized body would advocate for GLAM interests within the Wikimedia Movement, ensuring that cultural heritage is recognized and prioritized. Currently, GLAM is often sidelined in discussions about Wikimedia’s future direction.
- Visibility & Support – GLAM has been a marginalized topic, and a formal structure would provide greater visibility, fostering recognition and support from the broader Wikimedia community.
- Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing – A structured entity would enable better coordination, documentation of best practices, and knowledge exchange among GLAM contributors worldwide.
- Metrics & Impact Measurement – A unified GLAM structure would develop tools to better measure and showcase the impact of GLAM initiatives, strengthening accountability and advocacy.
- Diversity & Inclusion – GLAM activities involve diverse participants, institutions, and projects. A formal structure would ensure that smaller groups, underrepresented regions, and local heritage initiatives receive support and resources.
- Sustainability & Institutional Memory – A coordinated GLAM-Wiki body would help sustain projects long-term, prevent duplication of efforts, and provide continuity despite volunteer turnover.
- Bridging Governance & Content Creation – There is a growing tension between governance structures and content contributors in the Wikimedia Movement. A dedicated GLAM entity would help bridge this divide, ensuring that cultural heritage work is supported and valued.
- External Partnerships & Open Access – A formal structure would strengthen collaborations with cultural institutions, making it easier to advocate for Open Access and facilitate partnerships on a larger scale.
Role of the Working Group
- Support in bringing together contributors to create a unified voice
- Identifying the needs of the community, facilitating discussions, and establishing consensus to guide decisions.
- Organizing ongoing conversations and integrating various perspectives, to shape them into a broader plan and timeline.
- Clarifying what falls within the scope of GLAM, Culture and Heritage
Possible future scenarios
- Form a user group
- Create a new Hub
- Form a thematic organization
- Something else
Next steps
As a first step the working group has agreed to survey the GLAM Wiki community about the needs and scope of a formal structure. The survey will be shared with the community at the April Global GLAM Call
2025 Calendar
- April: Global GLAM Call
- April: GLOSS meeting (date TBD)
- August: Wikimania 2025, Nairobi Global GLAM Meetup
- October: GLAM Wiki Conference 2025, Lisbon
If you’re interested to get involved reach out to any member of the working group via the telegram GLAM Wiki group chat.
Contact: Volunteer coordinator, Connor Benedict
Existing groups and structures
- Global GLAM Calls – call series, started after Wikimania 2024
- EU GLAM Coordinators / European GLAM-Wiki coordinator – Telegram group and call
- WREN (Wikimedians in Residence Exchange Network) – User group and call
- Cultural Partnerships Help Desk (Wikimedia Sweden)
- Wiki + Libraries – User group and conference series
- ESEAP GLAM Wiki group (started in 2025)
- African GLAM groups (Alice Kimbombo investigating)
Previous and related efforts
- GLAM Wiki US Consortium (defunct)
- GLAM CSI
- Brief history of GLAM Wiki efforts – GLAM CSI – Background
Previous event coordination
- GLAM Wiki conferences (2018, 2023)
- GLAM Wiki Conference PH 2024