Library Innovation Competition
Are you ready to make a difference at your University Library? Do you have an idea that could enhance the student experience, boost wellbeing or improve our spaces and services?
Library Innovation Competition
The shortlisted ideas
The Library Innovation Competition asked University of Leeds students to contribute innovative ideas to shape the future of the Library.
We received many fantastic, thoughtful entries that we narrowed down to five exciting ideas.
The shortlisted ideas are:
- Re-imagining Laidlaw: A platform for creative student voices from Haniyyah Assam
- Leeds Library Life app from Nitya Laxmikant Bhattad
- Leeds Library Linc app from Marek Klodnicki
- Study with a View from Qianxiu Li
- Library tour and book club from Anastu Regita Nareswara.
Learn more about each idea, their inspiration and why it’s important for students.
University of Leeds students can also vote online for their favourite idea to win the Students’ Choice Award.
Come to the live event
On 3 March 2026, the five finalists will present their developed ideas to a live audience in the Helix event space. Our panel of judges will award the winning student the title of “Library Innovation Champion”.
The winner of the Students’ Choice Award will also be announced.
We welcome students, staff, friends and family to join us at the live event. Book your tickets now.
Meet the judges
The judges for the live event are representatives from the Library and University. Read why they are excited to be a part of the competition.
Josh Sendall, Interim University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection
"I’m delighted to be a judge for the Library Innovation Competition. Partnering with our students to shape the future of our Libraries is such an energising opportunity. Their creativity, insight, and lived experience are vital to helping us build more inclusive, inspiring and impactful spaces and services for our whole community."
Sarah Mulholland, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Student Education
"The student voice really matters to me, so I’m genuinely delighted to be a judge for this competition. It’s a brilliant chance to celebrate students’ creativity and the impact their ideas can have. I can’t wait to see the projects that will help shape the future of the Library and the University."
Melanie Maddison, Member of the Visitor Services & Teaching Support team within Cultural Collections & Galleries
"I became involved with the Library Innovation Competition as an opportunity to hear the voices and ideas of a wide range of students. I can’t wait to hear the newly proposed initiatives, and to learn about the areas that we as a service can further adapt and develop to ensure that what we offer is as useful, inclusive, and meaningful to as many people as possible!"
Shivani Gug, Leeds University Union Executive Officer in Education
"I’m really excited to be involved in the Library Innovation Competition this year! Creativity is a form of expression that is invaluable. All the finalists should be proud of themselves, as these ideas have the potential to be part of the Library’s and the University's legacy."
The Library Innovation Competition is closed for entries
This competition is now closed for entries. The shortlisted ideas have been announced – read the interviews with finalists.
About the competition
The Library Innovation Competition offers the opportunity to contribute innovative ideas that could shape the future of the Library. Students across all academic levels are welcome to submit ideas, whether you have a digital solution, a wellbeing initiative or a proposal that makes the Library more inclusive, accessible or inspiring.
The competition will be open for entries to all current University of Leeds students – undergraduate and postgraduate. You can enter individually or as a team of up to three people.
The 2026 competition closed for entries on Sunday 23 November.
The winner(s) will receive a £1,000 prize and the title of Student Innovation Champion(s). The second place idea will receive £500 and third place will receive £250. All prizes will be awarded in vouchers.
Entries will be shortlisted by a panel of Library representatives.
Shortlisted finalists will benefit from tailored mentoring support to develop their ideas and presentation skills.
In March 2026, the shortlisted finalists will present their developed ideas to the judging panel at a live event. The judges will vote to select a winning idea.
Read the competition information for everything you need to know.
Competition timeline
1
Submissions close: midnight (UK time) on 23 November 2025
2
Shortlist announced: 5 December 2025
3
Mentoring support: February 2026
4
Live final event and winners announced: 3 March 2026
Submissions close: midnight (UK time) on 23 November 2025
Shortlist announced: 5 December 2025
Mentoring support: February 2026
Live final event and winners announced: 3 March 2026