Congratulations – Chemnitz University Library is the second German library to receive this coveted award in recognition of its commitment to openness as a principle.
Following the awards in 2016 and 2020, this is the third time it has received this honour, thereby confirming its compliance with the revised openness criteria.
Having met 17 out of 28 criteria and covering all 7 subject areas, the library impressively demonstrates its consistent commitment to openness and transparency. Its performance is particularly strong in the areas of “Participation and Citizen Science”, as well as “Open Access” and “Open Data.” (Open Library Badge 2025). The “Strings of remembrance” project and the “Stadtgeschichten in Bewegung” exhibition were cited as examples of best practice in Citizen Science.
Further points were awarded for the topics “Inclusion and social responsibility”, “Open Source”, “Open Educational Resources”, “Open Government and Open Research Information”. All Open Science topics are also part of the library strategy “The 5D Library: Digital, Dynamic, Durable, Diverse, Discursive – Strategy of Chemnitz University Library until 2030”.
This success is the result of a combination of support from the library management, the strong commitment of the Open Science team, and the cross-departmental involvement of staff.
Collaborations with partners both within the university and externally enhance the prospects for Open Science. This gives rise to networks that sustainably expand areas of activity, integrate new ideas and perspectives, and advance Open Science as a whole, both regionally and beyond.
This process became particularly evident during the University Library’s presentation of the 2025 Open Science Award. There was a surprisingly large number of applications from a wide range of academic career stages, featuring interesting projects spanning the full breadth of our university’s disciplines.
The Open Science Team is also actively involved in the Across Alliance to jointly implement Open Science at member institutions. The first joint organisation of International Open Access Week 2025 was a great success. An ACROSS Open Science Policy is currently being developed.
The team is available to offer advice on any questions regarding Open Science. You can contact us at os@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de.
The Open Library Badge (OLB) is a quality mark for libraries that champion openness in academia and society. The initiative was founded in 2016 and has been a working group within the German Library Association since 2025.