3 minutes reading time (660 words)

Game On: Creative Approaches by the University of Gdańsk Library to Motivate the Open Science Community

25 Jul 2024

The Library of the University of Gdansk is an active promoter of the concept of open science among the scientific community.

One of the key elements of implementing the Open Access Policy is the "The Knowledge Base" repository, maintained by the University library. The Knowledge Base is a CRIS system based on Omega-PSIR software, that also serves as an institutional repository. Currently, it contains 115.766 items, 15.308 of which are published under open access and 6.524 are deposited in the repository. The Knowledge Base has recently been integrated into the Open AIRE network, making it part of the European open science infrastructure.

In addition to the institutional repository, the Library of the University of Gdansk also runs the University Scientific Journals Platform. This valuable infrastructure, based on the Open Journal Systems software, has been active since 2018 and all journals published on it are available in open access, which allows free access to all university journal articles.

Recognizing the growing importance of research data management, the library has expanded it's functions by establishing a dedicated section, specifically for this purpose. The Data Management and Open Science Section team consists of certified data stewards and experienced professionals including an IT security specialist. They assist researchers in constructing DMPs and preparing research data for sharing in the repository. In addition, their activities focus on promoting the idea of open science by organizing thematic events, workshops and training.

One of the didactic methods employed to promote open science is gamification. As gamification makes training more interesting and encourages participants to engage more actively, it is a valid way of allowing interested parties to learn through activities and problem-solving, that has been proven to be more effective and less tiring. These methods ensure that training participants stay attentive and avoid becoming tired of the training activity. To that end the Research Data Management and Open Science Section team has created dedicated educational games, designed and developed by the team members themselves, using a bookbinding studio.

One such game is the DMP puzzle "ukłaDaMy Plan" (we make a plan) which allows you to construct a research data management plan by assembling large-format puzzles. An original board game discussing the principles of research data security is also used in classes with doctoral students. Also, to keep audiences engaged during the training, interactive quizzes are also incorporated into the lectures.

The Section's main goal is to build a community dedicated to the topic of open science. One way to achieve this goal is through their hosting of the annual Open Access Week events. Last year, the event was "The Open Access Fair" where scientists and students could talk to open science experts who deal with these issues from the practical side. At dedicated stands one could get help and consultation on repository deposition, research data management and security, DMP writing, running a journal on the OJS platform or open publishing programs. The event was organized to facilitate mutual contacts, networking and conversations, as part of the Section's overall effort to create a favorable environment for the exchange of experiences, thoughts and ideas.

The very idea of open science offers itself to the engagement in creative activities and bringing people together in the spirit of academic communication and collaboration. What counts is not so much the services offered as the atmosphere of openness and friendliness, which builds trust. With this trust, researchers know that they can always count on the help and support of the library staff.

Learn more details: