Mapping information journeys

Citizen scientists are playing an increasingly active role in research processes, yet they do not always have the tools and resources needed to effectively find and interpret academic literature. At the same time, access to scientific knowledge is increasingly shifting toward commercial platforms and closed AI systems. This project therefore aims to develop a free, open-source chatbot that helps users navigate scientific literature and academic resources.

The project will deliver a proof of concept that can be further developed in future initiatives into a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) chatbot. Such a FOSS chatbot could be implemented and maintained by individual university libraries or library consortia, providing an alternative to the commercial chatbot solutions offered by academic publishers.

We are also exploring potential development and implementation partners within the university library ecosystem. These libraries will be involved through workshops and dissemination activities carried out via the Dutch Citizen Science Hubs network.