What is the notability guideline for Wikipedia Academic notability?
The notability guideline for academic notability on Wikipedia is one of the few that tries to establish notability through measurements of merits. While the general criteria for notability can still be used (such as the person being profiled several times by the mainstream media), the specialized academic criteria can be used instead. Usually, academic notability is determined by the impact of a person’s work on their field of study. But there are several other criteria.
Here’s a a few of the major elements of the policy:
- The subject of the pages has received a highly prestigious academic award recognized at a national or international level.
- The subject of the article is an elected member of a highly selective and prestigious scholarly society. For example, the National Academy of Sciences or the Royal Society) or a fellow of a major scholarly society (e.g., Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers or Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Physics).
- The subject of the article has held a distinguished professor appointment at a major university, or a named chair appointment recognizing a comparable level of achievement,.
- The subject of the article has held a highest-level elected or appointed administrative post at a major academic institution or major academic society. This usually means the president of a major university or college.
- The subject of the page has led or been editor in chief of a major, well-established academic journal in their subject area.
What types of sources are considered valid for establishing notability for Wikipedia Academic notability?
Reliable sources that can be used to establish academic notability include independent statements, reviews, citation metrics, or library holdings. Major awards must be confirmed, and claims of impact must be substantiated. Non-independent sources, such as official institutional and professional sources, can be used for routine, uncontroversial details once notability has been established through independent sources.
Can academics that don’t meet the general notability guideline still be included in Wikipedia?
Yes, academics who do not meet the general notability guideline can still be included in Wikipedia if they meet the conditions of other notability criteria. For example, an academic may not be notable under the provisions of the academic notability guideline but may be notable in some other way under the general notability guideline or one of the other subject-specific notability guidelines.
Are there specific notability guidelines for different categories of academics?
Yes, there are specific notability guidelines for different categories of academics. The criteria for notability can vary greatly by field and are determined by precedent and consensus.
What are the specific notability criteria for professors on Wikipedia?
Professors are typically expected to have a significant impact on their field through research, teaching, and /or service. Establishing notability usually entails a person having a significant impact on their scholarly discipline, receiving highly prestigious academic awards or honors , or holding high-level positions at major institutions.
What are some common challenges in establishing notability for professors?
Establishing notability for professors can be challenging due to the diverse nature of their work and the varying expectations across different disciplines. Some common challenges include determining the significance of their research contributions, assessing the impact of their teaching and service, and finding reliable sources to support their notability. Additionally, the criteria for notability may be more stringent for professors in certain fields, such as the sciences, where publication and citation rates are generally higher than in the humanities.
How can the impact of a professor’s research be assessed for notability?
To assess the impact of a professor’s research for notability, consider factors such as the number and quality of their publications, the citation rates of their work, and the recognition they have received from their peers. Independent, reliable sources, such as peer-reviewed scholarly publications and academic books, can be used to verify the significance of their research contributions. Keep in mind that citation and publication rates may vary across disciplines, so it is essential to evaluate the professor’s impact within the context of their specific field.
What role do teaching and service play in establishing notability for professors?
While teaching and service are essential aspects of a professor’s role in academia, they may not be the primary factors in establishing notability on Wikipedia. However, if a professor has made a significant impact on higher education through their teaching or service, such as authoring widely-used textbooks or holding high-level administrative positions at major universities, these accomplishments may contribute to their notability.
How do academic awards and honors contribute to a professor’s notability?
Receiving highly prestigious academic awards and honors can significantly contribute to a professor’s notability. Such accolades demonstrate recognition from the academic community and indicate the professor’s impact on their field. Examples of notable awards include the Nobel Prize, MacArthur Fellowship, Fields Medal, and other major honors from national or international scholarly societies. Less prestigious awards don’t help establish notability, even if there are many of them.
Can a professor be considered notable for their work outside academia?
A professor may be considered notable for their work outside academia if they have made a substantial impact in their academic capacity. Examples include being frequently quoted as an expert in the media, authoring popular general audience books on academic subjects, or making significant contributions to public policy or industry. To establish notability based on a professor’s work outside academia, it is essential to provide reliable sources that demonstrate their impact and recognition in their field.
What are the challenges in finding reliable sources for establishing a professor’s notability?
Finding reliable sources to establish a professor’s notability can be challenging due to the diverse nature of their work and the varying expectations across different disciplines. Some potential challenges include limited access to citation databases, incomplete coverage of certain fields in online search engines, and the varying importance of different types of publications across disciplines. To overcome these challenges, consider using a combination of sources, such as peer-reviewed scholarly publications, academic books, and reputable media outlets, to verify the professor’s accomplishments and impact on their field.
How do the notability criteria for professors vary across different disciplines?
The notability criteria for professors may vary across different disciplines due to differences in publication and citation rates, research methodologies, and the importance of various types of publications. For example, professors in the sciences may have higher publication and citation rates than those in the humanities, while book publications may play a more significant role in establishing notability for professors in the humanities. When evaluating a professor’s notability, it is essential to consider the unique aspects of their discipline and the expectations within their field.
