Annual Report 2022–23

Leading AI (Strategic priority 3)

Sector-leading AI report published, leading the conversation on the use and impact of AI on Libraries.

Digitally enhancing our physical spaces (Strategic priority 18)

The new Spacefinder web app integrates the physical and digital experience of our users, surfacing every study space on campus so that students can find their perfect study spot:

• 31k page visits this year
• 18k users
• 87k Spacefinder locations viewed.

You said - we did!

Students asked to know how busy our libraries are to inform where they choose to study. We now provide live occupancy data within and on our display screens.

User feedback:

Yes!! I love being able to do this.

It’s so helpful and influences which library I go to and when – thank you so much for installing this.

Digital transformation begins (Strategic priority 4)

Our Digital Libraries Infrastructure Project began, laying the foundations for transforming access to our cultural collections for research, education and innovation.

DLIP is an exciting and innovative project which will transform access to and use of Special Collections through state-of-the-art digital infrastructure.  It will champion connectivity, of users and collections, and radically enhance the Leeds offer in teaching and research, establishing it as a centre of excellence with a reputation for dynamism and forward-thinking.

Online access

Use of digital resources continues to increase as we provide more online access and more accessible materials for study and research:

• 2,856,169 ebook downloads
• 6,895,770 ejournal downloads.

Social engagement

Through new social media channels, we support and communicate with students in engaging and creative ways:

• Instagram followers more than tripled in a year: from 900 to 2,900
• 20,306 accounts reached with assessment support information.