 | This is anessay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one ofWikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not beenthoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
Wikipedia should ideally have, so far as its policies and guidelines allow, an article on every substantial publication that is likely to be used as a source for Wikipedia, and on the author and publisher of every such publication. Articles on sources should air on the side of inclusion and more information given their importance to Wikipedia.
Articles allow for a central summary of the source from otherreliable sources. This can be useful context for editors choosing which sources to use as well as when discussing potentialperennially reliable sources.
What if Wikipedia does not have an article discussing a source? Editors who take any time to update those articles on sources arecelebrated and very much appreciated by other Wikipedians for helping to broaden the knowledge base about sources, which are foundational to Wikipedia.