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UniCA Blended Intensive Program for Librarians 2025
Sorry, we're OPEN! - Advancing Open Science and Open Access in academic libraries (UniCA Blended Intensive Program for Librarians 2025) -the first Edition of the University of Cagliari's Library BIP has just been launched.
The focus of the BIP will be on electronic resources, Open Science, Open Access, collection management and artificial intelligence, and the exchange of good practices.
Who is it for?
Academic library staff with experience in the programmed topics. Priority in the selection process will be given to candidates from universities belonging to the European university alliance EDUC, of which the University of Cagliari is a member: University of Potsdam, University of Rennes 1, University Paris Nanterre, Masaryk University, University of Pécs, Jaume I University, and South-Eastern Norway University.
To ensure greater variety in the BIP experience, the number of participants per institution is limited to a maximum of 2.
When and how?
The BIP is organized within the Erasmus+ programme in BIP (Blended Intensive Program) format. Erasmus Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) are a new type of short and intensive period of mobility introduced by the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme. Using innovative teaching and learning methods, BIPs offer an internationalization experience that combines short term physical mobility with a mandatory virtual component.
Participants will take an online test at the end of the BIP and will receive 3 ECTS credits if they pass.
The virtual activity will take place on September 11, 2025, via 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 Library Staff Week 2025. Participants have to cover their own expenses as regards meals, accommodation, and travel to/from Cagliari.
Discover the program and read the call.
Application deadline: March 31, 2025, 11:00 p.m. (CEST)
Publication of the list of admitted candidates: May 16, 2025.
For further information: librarybip@unica.it
About us
Luciana Maria Cumino
Project Manager and Director of the Humanities Library Sector (Biblioteca del distretto delle scienze umane)
Laura Corda - Humanities Library Sector (Biblioteca del Distretto delle scienze umane)
Marcella Dalu - Social, Economic, and Legal Sciences Library Sector (Biblioteca del Distretto delle scienze sociali, economiche e giuridiche)
Liliana Demelas - Biomedical Sciences Library Sector (Biblioteca del Distretto biomedico scientifico)
Maria Cristina Maccioni - Technology Library Sector (Biblioteca del Distretto tecnologico)
Martina Mallocci - Central administration (Direzione centrale)
Alessandra Meleddu - Technology Library Sector (Biblioteca del Distretto tecnologico)
Michela Pia - Social, Economic, and Legal Sciences Library Sector (Biblioteca del Distretto delle scienze sociali, economiche e giuridiche)
Learning outcomes
The Open Access movement was born with the aim of harnessing the potential of digital systems and the Web to disseminate and share research results without barriers or restrictions. It is now considered part of the governance system of universities and research institutions as support in the evaluation of research papers. The BIP organized by the University of Cagliari aims to offer a complete and comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of Open Access.
The use of electronic resources is increasingly present in academic libraries, and universities are making significant investments to increase the resources available for both students and teachers. The BIP provides the opportunity to acquire and develop new skills not only for those who handle academic documents and electronic resources, but also for anyone whose aim is to explore the dynamics of evaluating research outputs, through the exchange of best practices.
The workshop will include a meeting on the introduction of new technologies, in particular artificial intelligence applied to academic libraries, to understand how these tools can be used to improve services and activities.
Program
The BIP program includes both an online session and several in-person sessions, and is subject to updates.
Online session
Thursday, September 11, 2025, h 3 p.m.
- Speaker: prof. Paul Ayris. Pro-Vice-Provost of University College London and former President of LIBER. Talk on the topic of Open Access (title to be defined).
In-person sessions
Day 1: Monday, September 29, 2025
- 9:00 am - 10:00 am: Registration, conference bag picik-up and welcome
- 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.: coffee break
- 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: visit to the University of Cagliari Library (Biblioteca universitaria)
- 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.: lunch
- 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.: boat trip to Sella del Diavolo (optional)
Day 2: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: “Electronic resources in the University Library System of the University of Cagliari” workshop
- 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.: coffee break
- 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: participants' presentations on the use of electronic resources in their institutions
- 11:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m.: guided tour of the Social, Economic and Legal Sciences Library Sector (Biblioteca del Distretto delle scienze sociali, economiche e giuridiche)
- 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: social lunch with dishes from around the world
- 5:00 p.m.: guided tour of the city (optional)
Day 3: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: "Open Access in the University of Cagliari" workshop
- 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.: coffee break
- 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: participants' presentations about Open Access
- 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: guided tour of the Humanities Library Sector (Biblioteca del distretto delle scienze umane) and the Technology Library Sector (Biblioteca del Distretto tecnologico)
- 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.: lunch
- 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.: excursion to the Nuragic Archaeological Site of Barumini (optional)
Day 4: Thursday, October 2, 2025
- 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.: “Our Special Collections” workshop
- 10.00 - 10.30 a.m.: coffee break
- 10.30 - 11.30 a.m.: Keynote speech by Professor Massimo Farina “Artificial intelligence and academic libraries"
- 11.30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: guided tour of the Architecture Library (Technology Sector) and Cittadella dei Musei Library (Humanities Sector)
- 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: lunch
- 8:00 p.m.: Sardinian cookery class and dinner (optional)
Day 5: Friday, October 3, 2025
- 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.: final discussion and conclusion
- 10:00 - 10:30 am: coffee break
- 10.30 - 11.30 a.m.: online final test
- 1:00 - 2:30 pm: lunch
Requirements
- Be a citizen of a European Union member State or a third Country participating in the Erasmus programme.
- Be currently working/have worked as an academic librarian.
- Have a level of proficiency in English at least equivalent to CEFR level B1.
Application
To submit your application, please fill in this form, from 8 a.m. (CEST) on January 28, 2025 until 11 p.m. (CEST) on March 31, 2025 (the form will be available only on the dates and times indicated).
The application must be accompanied by:
- Motivation letter, describing how participation in the BIP can enrich their study and professional path. The letter must be compiled using the online form.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Language certificate according to the CEFR or self-declaration (see template).
Documents submitted separately and/or after the application deadline will not be considered.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted; it will not be possible to supplement or modify the submitted applications afterward (for either formal or substantial errors).
Publication of the list of admitted candidates
The selection board is composed as follows:
- Dr. Luciana Maria Cumino – Project manager and organizer of the BIP “Sorry, we're OPEN!” – President.
- Dr. Martina Mallocci – Expert member and organizer of the BIP “Sorry, we're OPEN!”.
- Dr. Giovanna Frigimelica – Expert member and organizer of the BIP “Sorry, we're OPEN!”.
- Dr. Francesca Mulas – minutes secretary.
Each application will receive a maximum of 30 points:
- Evaluation of the motivation expressed by the candidate in the application for participation (up to 10 points).
- Evaluation of the candidate's CV based on its relevance to the topics covered in the BIP (up to 10 points).
- Language skills (up to 10 points).
For the evaluation of linguistic skills, each candidate can attach the relevant documentation to the application form. Language skills must be demonstrated through the submission, together with the application form, of a certificate certifying the levels of knowledge of the foreign language according to the CEFR. The score relating to linguistic skills must be attributed according to the following scale, also taking into account certifications relating to multiple languages, in addition to English, until the maximum available score is reached. The following assessment will be carried out for each language:
Scores attributed to CEFR language certificates:
- Level B1: 2 points.
- Level B2: 3 points.
- Level C1: 4 points.
- Level C2: 5 points.
Results will be published on this webpage by May 16, 2025. Non-admitted candidates will also receive an email to inform them that they have been placed on a waiting list, in case of withdrawals by accepted candidates, or to notify them of the exclusion of their application due to lack of the required qualifications.
Practicalities
How to get to Cagliari
Cagliari is easily reachable from all major European cities thanks to the Cagliari-Elmas Airport. From there, have several options for reaching the heart of the city.
By train arriving at the central station in Piazza Matteotti. Tickets cost €1.30 with a journey time of 8 minutes. All departure times are available on the free Trenitalia app for iOS and Android.
Taxi in the square in front of the terminal, with a journey time of about 15 minutes.
Several car rental options are also available.
How to get around Cagliari
Cagliari can easily be visited on foot or by taking advantage of the efficient local transport system including CTM buses, which conveniently cover all parts of the city. Tickets cost €1.30. You can purchase your ticket, calculate the route and learn about the routes via the free Busfinder app for iOS and Android.
Several car sharing options are also available.
Find here to see a map of the city of Cagliari.
Strolling through the city center
The centre of Cagliari extends between the districts of Castello, Marina, Stampace and Villanova. Click here for a guide to the main historical and architectural beauties of the city.