Library Innovation Competition supporting information
Competition details
The Library Innovation Competition is your opportunity to contribute an innovative idea that could shape the future of the Library. We want to hear from you, 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 competition will close on Sunday 23 November.
The entries will be shortlisted by a panel of Library representatives, using the judging criteria to ensure fairness throughout the process. Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
- impact on the student experience
- feasibility and practicality
- originality and creativity
- clarity and detail of the proposal
- consideration of diverse perspectives and student voices.
Shortlisted finalists will benefit from tailored mentoring support to develop their ideas and presentation skills in February 2026.
All students will be invited to engage in a public vote to have their say on the shortlisted ideas.
On 3 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.
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.
How to enter
To enter the competition, you must:
- simply complete the submission form, explaining your idea in a written (250–500 words) or video (up to three minutes) proposal.
- read the competition FAQs and terms and conditions.
The competition closes at midnight (UK time) on Sunday 23 November 2025.
We welcome all suggestions that could benefit students when using the Library. Ideas can be new or build on previous suggestions (including those submitted in past competitions). Please ensure your idea is reasonable and achievable – while ambitious thinking is encouraged, we cannot accommodate requests for entirely new buildings or major extensions.
Why you should enter
The Library Innovation Competition is a fantastic chance to:
- make a tangible impact on your university experience
- create a legacy of improving the Library for current and future students
- gain valuable presentation and employability skills with support from mentors
- add an achievement to your CV: finalists and winners can showcase their accomplishments
- be part of a vibrant community of innovators and changemakers
- win a monetary prize
- see your idea developed in partnership with Library staff.
What happens after submission
After submission closes on Sunday 23 November, the shortlisting panel will choose the shortlisted finalists.
Ideas will be judged on their creativity, originality and feasibility, as well as their potential positive impact on the student experience.
The shortlisted finalists will be notified via email on 5 December 2025. We will not respond to unsuccessful entries. See the full terms and conditions.
In January 2026, the shortlisted ideas will be announced to the student body by the Library. All students will be invited to have their say on the ideas in a public vote.
Shortlisted finalists will benefit from tailored mentoring support, that will focus on enhancing your presentation skills, building your confidence and providing constructive feedback to help you create a compelling, clearly articulated proposal that meets the judging criteria. Mentoring sessions will take place in February 2026.
On 3 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 and the individual or team will receive the title of Student Innovation Champions and a prize of £1,000. The second place idea will receive £500 and third place will receive £250.
Please read the competition FAQs and terms and conditions for more information.
Keep up to date with the competition
Follow the Libraries on Instagram for competition updates.