Library Academy 2025: Retrospective

Workshops at the UvA library

Getting started with open educational resources: peer to peer session
How can open educational resources (OERs) contribute to accessible and flexible education? In this session, Linde Voorend (VU) and Kees van Gestel (VU) discussed the benefits of (re)using educational resources and how this can contribute to affordable and up-to-date education. They also reflected on the cultural shift needed to better value educational efforts.

Disinformation: The student as critical professional
This workshop, given by Harrie van der Meer (UvA/HvA) and Kim Dibbets (VU), focused on the critical approach to students. Instead of discarding information, students should learn to think critically and engage in open debate about what is truth.

Lunch & Demo: The new University Library
During the lunch break, participants received a presentation on the new University Library of the UvA.

Diversity and inclusion in searches: awareness, sources and strategies
Stefano Giani (UvA) and Michèle Meijer (VU) discussed how biases in well-known search engines and databases can lead to a one-sided selection of publications. Participants learned about strategies and alternative platforms to promote a more inclusive search process.

Workshops at the HvA library

Beyond ChatGPT: AI tools in literature search
Frans Westgeest (HvA) and Harrie van der Meer (UvA/HvA) showed that much more is possible than chatbots such as ChatGPT and Copilot. Tools like Elicit, Semantic Scholar, Litmaps and SciSpace offer support in finding, analysing and visualising scientific information. The session highlighted the importance of critically engaging with AI output.

Strategies for AI-proof testing
Jacqui Edwards and Ivar Kolvoort (UvA Teaching and Learning Centre) gave practical guidance on how to AI-proof tests. Smart strategies help to design assignments and exams that are future-proof in an age of AI.

Lunch + Demo: Virtual Reality in education
During lunch, participants could get an impression of how Virtual Reality is being used in health education in the HvA Smart Health & Vitality Lab at the Library.

Develop and blend your learning materials with the AI Inspiration Wheel
Sylvia Moes (SURF) and Harrie van der Meer (HvA) introduced the AI Inspiration Wheel, a tool for developing inspiring and customised learning materials. Participants learned how to use the wheel to further develop learning materials and address underexposed topics together with colleagues.