The first Edition of the University of Cagliari’s BIP for librarians is launched: Sorry, we’re OPEN! – Advancing Open Science and Open Access in academic libraries (UniCA Blended Intensive Program for Librarians 2025).

The focus of the BIP will be on electronic resources, open science, collection management, and artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on the exchange of best practices.

Who is it targeted to? 

Library staff from academic institutions with experience in the topics covered. Priority will be given to applications from universities that are part of the European University Alliance EDUC, of which the University of Cagliari is a member: University of Potsdam, University of Rennes, University Paris Nanterre, Masaryk University, University of Pécs, Jaume I University, and South-Eastern Norway University. The number of participants from each institution should not exceed 2 individuals, in order to ensure greater variety in the BIP experience.

When does it take place and in what format? 

The virtual activity will take place on September 11, 2025, on Microsoft Teams, while the in-person event will be held in Cagliari from September 29 to October 3, 2025.

There are no registration fees for participation in the BIP. Participants are responsible for covering their own expenses for meals, accommodation, and travel to/from Cagliari.

For more information: librarybip@unica.it

Learning goals and program

The Open Access movement was born with the intention of harnessing the potential of the digital and network to disseminate and share research results without barriers or restrictions. It is now considered part of the governance system of universities and research institutions, a social process where organizational, cultural and economic models can influence its modes and approaches. The BIP organized by the University of Cagliari aims to provide a comprehensive and exhaustive overview of the main Open Access issues.

The use of electronic resources is increasingly present in academic libraries, universities make significant investments in order to increase the resources available to students and faculty. The BIP is proposed as a moment to acquire useful information to create new skills for those involved in the management of academic records and the management of electronic resources, for those who want to learn more about the dynamics related to the evaluation of intellectual research productions, including through an exchange of best practices.

There will also be a meeting aimed at the introduction of new technologies, particularly on artificial intelligence applied to academic libraries, to understand how these tools can be used to improve the services and activities of university libraries.

Learn more about the BIP program at the following link: https://web.unica.it/unica/en/library_bip.page

Requirements for participation

• Be a citizen of a European Union member state or a third country participating in the Erasmus program;
• Work in an academic library;
• Possess English language proficiency of at least level B1 of the CEFR.

Submission of applications

To participate, fill out the form available on our website from Jan. 28, 2025, 8 AM (CEST). Application deadline: March 31, 2025, 11:00 PM (CEST).

The application must be accompanied by:

• Motivational letter describing how one’s participation in the BIP can enrich one’s educational and professional background, according to the outline prepared in the online form for applicants;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Documentation of your language skills.

Publication of results

Each question will be assigned a maximum of 30 points:

• Evaluation of the CV based on its relevance to the topics covered in the BIP (up to 10 points);
• Evaluation of the candidate’s motivation (up to 10 points);
• Evaluation of the candidate’s language skills (up to 10 points). Certifications for more than one language, in addition to English, will also be taken into account.

The list of admitted candidates will be published on our website by May 16, 2025. Non-admitted candidates will also receive an email to inform them of their inclusion in a waiting list, in case of withdrawals by admitted candidates, or to notify them of the exclusion of their application due to lack of the required qualifications.

How to get around Cagliari

Cagliari can be easily visited on foot or with the help of an efficient urban mobility system including CTM buses, which conveniently cover all areas of the city. The ticket costs €1.30. You can purchase the ticket, calculate the route, and find out the routes through the free Busfinder app for iOS and Android. Various car sharing options are available.