What is Wikipedia and could it help your digital collection?

Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, this article proposes a potential framework for understanding and measuring the representation and visibility of digital library collections on the free community-driven encyclopaedia website, Wikipedia. The Glasgow Digital Library is used as an example. References to it on Wikipedia are compared with references made to five other digital library collections, including the New York Public Library. Various technical concerns such as the implementation of links and inter-language links are considered. The author assumes the validity and relevance of Wikipedia as a useful tool and collaborator for those wishing to assess awareness of their digital library collection and discusses the similarities in mission between digital library practitioners and Wikipedia contributors and developers