Wikipedia:GLAM/NARA/New editors

If you are new to Wikipedia, this page will help you get started with editing. Check out the tips below on creating an account and making your first edits, tasks you can work on related to the National Archives, and ways of getting help. Remember, Wikipedia is the encyclopedia that anyone can edit, so don't be afraid to jump right in.

Once you've gotten used to editing, there are many more tasks to do. You can also consider joining the NARA project on Wikisource (a compendium of crowd-transcribed and -translated source texts) and Wikimedia Commons (a free media repository).

Create your account
Decide on a username to use for editing.
 * 1) Click on the blue link "Create Account" in the top right corner.
 * 2) Click on the blue link "Create One" in the sign in box.
 * 3) Fill out the information on the page (email is not necessary) and click the "Create Account" button.
 * 4) Your username will now appear in red in the top right corner.

Wikipedia tutorial
Begin this tutorial to get you started on basic editing, formatting, and citation guidelines. There is also a more comprehensive guide to editing Wikipedia.
 * 1) Introduction
 * 2) Editing: After you finish reading this tab, be sure to Try Editing in the Sandbox as they suggest.
 * 3) Formatting: After you finish reading this tab, try to add bolding, italics & headings in the Sandbox.
 * 4) Wikipedia Links: After you finish reading this tab, try to add some links and categories in the Sandbox.
 * 5) Citations: After you finish reading this tab, try out using the reference markup code in the sandbox.

Important readings
It is important that you read about the Five Pillars of Wikipedia.
 * 1) Neutral Point of View Policy
 * 2) No Original Research Policy
 * 3) Verifiability Policy
 * 4) Notability Policy
 * 5) Consensus Policy

Create your userpage
Creating a user page will be your first time editing in Wikipedia!
 * The “Creating a userpage” document will walk you through the steps involved in setting up your userpage.
 * Use the WikiMarkup  Cheat Sheet as you begin your edits.
 * 1) Make sure you're signed in.
 * 2) Click on your user name, which is a red link, in the top right corner.
 * 3) Click the “Edit” tab (located between “Read” and “View History”) to make several edits to your userpage.
 * 4) Include as little or as much information about yourself as you would like. It's often a good idea to state your interests and what you'll be working on, including any declarations of possible conflicts of interest (for example, where you work, if you're comfortable sharing.)

Tasks
Here are some potential NARA-related tasks for those just starting out in Wikipedia editing.


 * 1) Take a look at the gallery of NARA images here and on Wikimedia Commons, and add them to appropriate articles (here's how to do it)
 * 2) Work on articles related to the Ansel Adams set, the Today's Document challenge, or any other content related to the National Archives. You can copyedit, expand, or add citations to these articles, or find other ways to make them better.
 * 3) Write a new article using the Article Wizard. There are a few requests for NARA-related articles here. You can also browse the list of requested articles relating to history or military history.

Help
Use these resources to find help anytime, anywhere.

Guides and check lists

 * Wiki Markup Cheatsheet
 * Wiki Markup Quick Reference Sheet
 * Wiki Reference Code Handout.
 * The Perfect Article: a concise checklist.

Sandbox help

 * Experiment in the main Wikipedia Sandbox.
 * Use this sandbox tutorial to start your own.

Help from a person

 *  : Place this template into your talk page and a Wikipedian will come help you.
 * The Wikipedia Teahouse: Go here to post specific questions about editing and receive quick help.
 * New contributors' help page: Other resources and avenues for new editors to seek help from other Wikipedians.

Everything you need to know
Wikipedians are always available to help you!
 * Find your answer at Wikipedia:Help
 * Take a look at Tips on using and contributing to Wikipedia
 * Read the Missing Manual
 * Click Show on the templates below for a number of helpful links.