The third quarter of 2026 was a busy and inspiring season at VGU Library. From swapping clothes and learning new research tools to hosting international experts and welcoming hundreds of new students, our community came together for learning, sharing, and sustainable action. Here are the highlights of Issue 04.
VGU Clothing Swap
On 8 July 2026, the 3rd VGU Clothing Swap took place on the Library’s Ground Floor. Community members swapped, shared, and gave clothes a second life, proving that small swaps can make a big change.
Training: LSEG Workspace
On 16 July 2026, VGU Library hosted a free online training on LSEG Workspace, led by Samasiri Raksina (LSEG). Students and researchers learned smarter ways to retrieve and work with data using Python and Excel Codebook.
VGU–OCLC Academic Library Forum 2026
On 18 August 2026, VGU, OCLC, and IDT hosted the VGU–OCLC Academic Library Forum 2026 under the theme “Connecting Knowledge: AI, Open Access and the Future of Scholarly Communication.” Library professionals, researchers, publishers, and technology experts gathered for a day of practical insights and exchange.
The morning session focused on library technology. OCLC leaders Skip Prichard, Bart Murphy, and Eric van Lubeek spoke about integrating AI into library products, building secure and multilingual platforms, and balancing global standards with local needs. Ms. Tri Nguyen, VGU Library Director, then shared the Library’s own experience with OCLC solutions and advice for institutions choosing a library management system.
The afternoon session turned to scholarly publishing and Open Access. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trong Hoai shared the development of the journal JABES, Dr. Tran Binh Dai discussed his research journey and cost-effective Open Access publishing, and Ms. Nicola Bieg (TIB, Germany) presented how libraries and consortia support Open Access. A panel discussion closed the day.
Read the full recap: VGU–OCLC Academic Library Forum 2026
Sustainable Book Fair 2026 and UMI Touring Exhibition
From 7 to 11 September 2026, the VGU Sustainable Book Fair brought the community together for a week of reading, learning, sharing, and sustainable action.
A week full of books and ideas. The fair featured more than 6,000 book titles from publishers including ThaiHaBooks, Alphabooks, and Kim Dong, along with merchandise. The Book Consignment Booth and Book Exchange Corner gave pre-loved books a new life with new readers.
UMI Touring Exhibition. Presented with the Goethe-Institut and the Max Planck Society, “UMI. Universe. Humanity. Intelligence.” invited visitors to explore questions about humanity, intelligence, science, and the future.
Opening session (9 September). The afternoon opened with music, remarks from Dr. Thomas Aulig (Vice President of VGU) and Mr. Arik Jahn (Goethe-Institut), games, and gifts, including the “Guess the Book” game. The Book Lover Awards recognized top book borrowers and top e-resource users for their engagement with Library resources.
Greener habits. The Recycle Paper Workshop, held with 2030 Youth Force Vietnam, showed how used paper can become something new. The Battery-for-Plant Exchange, supported by HSBC, let participants trade used batteries for plants and tote bags.
Library Orientation (11 September). New students were introduced to the Library’s spaces, services, and resources.
Read the full recap: Sustainable Book Fair 2026
Talkshow: “The New Literacy: Reading and Learning in the AI Age”
On 11 September 2026, at the VGU Ceremony Hall, Dr. Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng (Chairman and CEO of ThaiHaBook JSC) and Dr. Đặng Hoàng Giang (Deputy Director of CECOD) discussed how AI is reshaping the way we read, learn, and engage with knowledge. They encouraged participants to reflect on the value of reading, critical thinking, and lifelong learning in an AI-driven world. Participants also met the speakers and had their books signed.
Information Skills Training
In September 2026, VGU Library ran 7 information literacy sessions for over 800 first-year students, plus training sessions for final-year students. These helped students navigate library resources, strengthen their research skills, and prepare for their graduation projects.
Upcoming Events
Halloween (29–30 October) – Spooky reads, horror discoveries, and a fun Halloween game on the 2nd floor, with candy for players.
ARC Film Screening (10 November, 6:00–8:00 PM) – Private Jokes, Public Places, an award-winning play by Oren Safdie, will have its first public screening in Vietnam at the Library’s Reading Theatre. It has previously been shown at The Bartlett, SCAD, Aalto, NUS, and other leading institutions.
December will bring a series of activities that combine celebration, culture, and learning:
- Christmas Events – festive activities at the Library.
- Movie Night with Goethe-Institut – a special screening bringing German culture and cinema to the VGU community.
- Copyright Workshop – practical guidance on using and sharing information responsibly in study, teaching, and research.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this quarter. See you at our next Library event! 💙
