College students are taught NOT to use Wikipedia for academic research. Did you know that even Wikipedia says the same thing? Check out these links.
Wikipedia on its own reliability
Bottom line: anyone can edit it and it can change at any time. Not reliable for academic work. Includes a discussion on citing Wikipedia.
Researching with Wikipedia
Analyzes Wikipedia's strengths and weaknesses
What Wikipedia is NOT
A list of things Wikipedia is NOT...and does not aim to be.
Top 5000 Wikipedia sites (from the past week)
Harvard University: What's wrong with Wikipedia?
Cornell University: Grade-killer or valuable friend?
Williams College: Should I use or cite Wikipedia?