Wikipedia:Resource support pilot

This is a pilot project which aims to support English Wikipedia content editors in obtaining resources that they need to improve content on Wikipedia. Developed through community discussion, we are now open to requests.

Users who are extendedconfirmed, or otherwise have experience creating quality content on Wikipedia, are encouraged to participate in this pilot project by requesting a resource and/or leaving feedback on the talk page.

I have a resource I want support in obtaining: If the resource you're requesting is in-scope for the Resource Exchange, please first request it there. If your request is not fulfilled after 14 days, or it is not in scope for RX, fill out the form below and transclude your request on Wikipedia:Resource support pilot/Requests.

Note: If you have multiple requests, please create separate request pages, e.g., Username, Username 2.

I have questions about the process: The below FAQ outlines the product of the community discussion that preceded this pilot. If you have additional questions, please feel free to ask on the talk page or contact RAdimer-WMF directly.

FAQ

Am I eligible?

If you are an extended confirmed user in good standing, then you are eligible to request support in obtaining a resource. We can make case-by-case exceptions for non-extended-confirmed users who have demonstrated experience in creating content on Wikipedia.

What resources are eligible?

The original idea was primarily books, but there are many possible resources that we can support. In the request page, please include information on the resource and what you expect to use it for.

We aim to support resources that can be used to support content on Wikipedia, with some constraints for feasibility:

This support program should not be used for sources which are available on the Wikipedia Library or otherwise accessible for free online
We may need to make decisions on price, including deciding between item quality (e.g., new vs. used)
In general, we avoid purchasing from academic journals. In the discussions that formed this pilot, a user recommended emailing paper authors (when feasible) to request a copy
While we will try to find a way to get resources to recipients, not every request will be possible depending on the vendor and availability (e.g., geographic or shipping difficulties)
If the resource you're requesting could be supported by a similar program through your regional Wikimedia affiliate, we ask that you use their program. (e.g., WMDE/WMAT/WMCH, WMUY)

If I want a full book, do I need to request it on the Resource Exchange first?

The intent of this program is to supplement the Resource Exchange and Wikipedia Library, and the community discussion that formed this pilot emphasized that resources, including full books, should first be posted on RX. However, RX currently notes that, "due to copyright restrictions, we cannot send you full book/thesis copies."

If it is at all possible that you will not need the full book, please first request it on WP:RX. If you can make a compelling case that the full book is required, then please briefly describe the situation in your request. For example, if you plan to scan the contents of a public domain text, or if you have have reviewed a table of contents and confirmed that the entire book is required for your work.

How do I make my request?

Use the form above and follow the instructions in the prefill and edit notice. Once your request page is created, transclude the page on Wikipedia:Resource support pilot/Requests.

How will I receive the resource?

Optimally, we will purchase the item through the relevant vendor and have it shipped to you directly. Once a request is approved, you will be sent a separate form where you can provide shipping information. (If you would prefer to have the item shipped to a local affiliate or other intermediary, coordinate with them and let us know when filling out the form)