Wikidata and the bibliography of life

Biological taxonomy rests on a long tail of publications spanning nearly three centuries. Not only is this literature vital to resolving disputes about taxonomy and nomenclature, for many species it represents a key source-indeed sometimes the only source-of information about that species. Unlike other disciplines such as biomedicine, the taxonomic community lacks a centralised, curated literature database (the bibliography of life). This article argues that Wikidata can be that database as it has flexible and sophisticated models of bibliographic information, and an active community of people and programs (bots) adding, editing, and curating that information.

Automated summary

Biological taxonomy heavily relies on a vast amount of literature from the past three centuries, which is crucial for resolving disputes and providing information about species. Unlike other disciplines, the taxonomy community lacks a centralized and curated literature database, and this article suggests that Wikidata can serve as that database due to its flexible models and active community.