Library Innovation Competition supporting information

The competition is open to all registered students at the University of Leeds.

Yes! Teams of up to three are welcome.

You may submit up to three entries, but each must be a distinct idea and follow the terms and conditions.

Yes, you are welcome to resubmit an idea from a previous event, but please highlight any improvements or changes you have made.

The competition is designed to encourage student-led innovation that improves library services and strengthens the relationship between students and the Library.

We welcome all ideas that can enhance the student experience, from technological innovations to changes in library space, wellbeing initiatives, accessibility improvements or entirely new services. Both digital and non-digital ideas are invited.

Please read the terms and conditions for the detailed competition criteria.

Your idea should be as original as possible, but if it builds on an existing concept or adapts an idea from elsewhere, please acknowledge this in your submission and show how your approach is unique or better suited to our context.

Yes, supporting media is encouraged if it helps explain your idea and adheres to the terms and conditions.

There are three key stages within the process:

• Proposal: Completing the submission form with a written (250–500 words) or video (up to three minutes) proposal outlining the idea, with optional images/diagrams.

• Idea and pitch development: Shortlisted entrants will be supported by a mentor to develop their pitch and prepare for the final competition event.

• Final event: Shortlisted finalists will present a 10–15 minute pitch to a judging panel and audience, with a physical or digital prototype encouraged.

Submit your idea using the submission form, providing as much detail as possible to help the panel understand your proposal. The proposal can be written (250–500 word) or a video (up to three minutes).

Please provide a clear description of your idea, its intended impact on the student experience, why it’s needed, how it could be implemented and any supporting materials. Address feasibility, innovation and the benefits your idea brings to students and the Library.

We would like submissions to be reflective of your own work, but if you require access support or an alternative submission form, email the Library team via office@library.leeds.ac.uk. 

The entries will be judged in two stages:

• Selection panel: Initial shortlisting will be carried out by a working group composed of representatives from the Library and, where possible, members from Leeds University Union (LUU). This panel will review all submissions and determine which entries progress to the final stage, using the judging criteria to ensure fairness throughout the process.

• Judging panel: Finalists will present their ideas to a panel comprising of senior leaders in student education, members of the Libraries’ Leadership team and representatives from LUU. This diverse panel will provide valuable feedback and recognise innovation across a range of perspectives. Shortlisted finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to individuals who play a significant role in shaping the student experience and academic environment at the University.

Entries will typically be assessed on:

• impact on the student experience

• feasibility and practicality

• originality and creativity

• clarity and detail of the proposal

• consideration of diverse perspectives and student voices.

The number of shortlisted finalists will not exceed six.

If similar ideas are submitted, the panel may group entries or select the one that best addresses the criteria. Shortlisting may be organised by theme to help with this process.

The pitch delivered at the live event should be between 10–15 minutes and is your opportunity to present your developed idea. Although it is not essential for each member of a team to take part in the pitch delivery, we encourage students to use this opportunity to enhance your experience and develop your presentation skills

The live event will take place on the evening of Tuesday 3 March 2026 on campus, in the HELIX space in the EC Stoner building. The audience will be friends, family and invited guests of shortlisted entrants, students who submitted entries and invited Library and University guests.

All entrants should consider their availability to particpate in all stages of the competition – including the final event pitching to judges – before submitting an entry.  If you are unable to attend the final but would like to submit an idea for consideration, you may do so but this will affect your chances of being shortlisted.

As a finalist, you will benefit from tailored mentoring support in February 2026 to help you prepare for presenting your idea at the live final. You will have access to expert advice and guidance to further develop your concept, so you feel fully equipped to pitch to the judging panel. The mentoring 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. This process will also provide you with valuable practical experience in public speaking and advocacy, which can be showcased in future applications, interviews or professional environments as evidence of your initiative and creative thinking. Mentoring will be delivered by either Library and University staff or external specialists.

Shortlisted participants will receive feedback on their entries and competition pitches. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide feedback on all submissions.

The prizes are as follows (awarded in vouchers of your choice):

• 1st prize: £1,000 and the title of Student Innovation Champion

• 2nd prize: £500

• 3rd prize: £250.

See the terms and conditions for full prize information.

Our firm intention is to work with the winning idea(s) and implement them in the libraries, and to provide an opportunity for the winners to participate in that process if they wish to. However, there may be unforeseen factors that prevent us from proceeding, so we reserve the right to delay implementation if needed and cannot provide an absolute guarantee that every idea will be implemented.

Read the terms and conditions for full the competition timeline. 

The shortlisted finalists will be notified via email on 5 December 2025. We will not provide feedback on the entries that are not shortlisted.

Follow the Libraries Instagram for updates.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, email the Libraries team via office@library.ac.uk. 

The competition team is committed to accessibility. If you have any requirements or need adjustments to take part, please email us via office@library.ac.uk as early as possible so we can support your participation.

All shortlisted finalists will receive feedback and the opportunity to remain involved in Library innovation activities. Winning and highly commended ideas may be developed further in partnership with Library staff.