News
“Engaging in conversation with library visitors taught me how to look at our field differently again.”
[5 December 2023]
Does this feel familiar, working a lot behind your laptop or in the lab and sometimes losing sight of the outside world for a while? Several times in November, researchers from Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht exchanged their workplace for a discussion table in various public libraries in Utrecht. Here, they talked to library visitors, from young to old, during the Even Over Morgenevent. “By talking to library visitors, I learned to look at our field differently again. It was incredibly valuable to hear what kind of questions are going on in society,” researcher Florence Lucas revealed.
Even over morgen was organised for the third time this year. This time, the researchers were seated with a picture frame, containing a self-selected image that matched their research topic. The images were the starting point for the conversation between researchers and library visitors. The idea of using an image as a conversation starter came from UU researchers Tessa van Charldorp and Lisanne van Weelden. It is part of the Visual Dialogue Method. Beforehand, therefore, participants received a training from Van Charldorp and Van Weelden to let them practice with it and understand the underlying theory. A picture is something visible and tangible to talk about; it easily triggers a conversation. It also provides a neutral attitude and language. All this to ensure that both interactors feel safe.
Check out the video of the 2022 edition of Even over tomorrow and read more about public engagement at Utrecht University here.
Also nice to mention: from time to time, artist Jasmijn van der Weidejoined the conversations. She is currently creating a work of art from everything she heard passing by at the talk tables. Keep an eye on the libraries, as a touring exhibition is coming up!
This article is partially derived from the UU website.