Bringing digital facilities to the next level
Maastricht University Library is further developing its digital facilities (previously known as multimedia facilities) under one collective concept: the Digital Labs. This development brings together a growing range of spaces, tools and services that support students, researchers and teachers in working with digital media, emerging technologies and creative forms of knowledge sharing.
This strategic development responds to a growing need within education and research for accessible facilities that support digital creation, experimentation, and innovation. Whether it concerns developing audiovisual materials, exploring immersive learning environments, recording educational content, the Digital Labs provide a shared starting point for users who want to work with technology in a practical and meaningful way.
From podcast studios to 3D printing
The Digital Labs include several facilities and services across the library, such as the XR Labs, Podcast and Video Studios, multimedia editing facilities, 3D printing services, and equipment lending options, like smartphone and podcast kits. In addition, Randwyck Library also offers the Vesalius Room: a dedicated space for studying human anatomy, equipped with anatomical models, skeletons, and a 3D-Vesalius system that allows users to navigate through the human body slice by slice. Together, these facilities make it easier for users to access the tools, spaces, and support needed for educational, research-related, and creative projects.
Introducing the XR Labs
One of the latest developments within Digital Labs is the introduction of the XR Labs. These spaces allow users to explore Extended Reality (XR), including Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Users can work with existing applications for educational or research purposes.
Digital Literacy
Alongside the facilities, the library also offers workshops and introductory sessions on topics such as XR in education, multimedia production and digital creation. These activities are designed to help users become familiar with the available tools and explore how they can be applied within their own teaching, research, or study context. If you would like to know more about how the library supports Digital Literacy, visit the Digital and Information Literacy page on our website.
Explore the Digital Labs and contribute to their ongoing development
Through the development of the Digital Labs, the library makes its digital facilities more visible, accessible, and connected. Students, researchers and teachers are invited to explore the available spaces and services, and discover how the Digital Labs can support their study, research and teaching.
Have ideas for facilities, services, or improvements? We welcome your input as we continue to develop the Digital Labs for education and research.
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