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Decentralized networking instead of algorithmic platforms
The current issue of DFN Mitteilungen (108 | December 2025) contains a comprehensive report on KIT's Mastodon pilot project. The focus is on the development of a dedicated Mastodon instance (social.kit.edu) as a decentralized, data protection-friendly and science-oriented alternative to established, centralized and algorithm-driven social media platforms.
The KIT library is one of the first institutions on campus to actively use Fediverse and has already fully migrated to the new KIT instance. Among other things, the aim is to strengthen networking with academic libraries, make services visible beyond the expected services and create clear added value for the KIT community and library staff.
Andrea Gappel, who has been setting up and continuously maintaining the KIT library's Mastodon communication channel since 2024, is quoted in the article:
"We want to make our services, offers and news accessible to researchers, students and anyone who is enthusiastic about science. In Fediverse, we find precisely this diversity and openness. By moving to the KIT instance, we are emphasizing our affiliation with KIT and strengthening the direct exchange within the KIT community."
Stay informed and follow the library channel on Fediverse:
social.kit.edu/∂KIT_Library