Library Innovation Competition: vote for your favourite idea!
The final shortlist has been revealed.
Applications for the very first Library Innovation Competition have been whittled down to a final five, after submissions closed in November 2025, with shortlisted ideas spanning from library tours and book clubs to apps and creative installations.
The Library Innovation Competition was set up to give you the opportunity to share your ideas for how to improve the libraries and align them with your day-to-day needs as a student. The competition received a range of high-quality and interesting ideas from students across all educational levels, tapping into several areas of the library experience.
The five shortlisted ideas are:
- Reimagining Laidlaw: A Platform for Creative Student Voices from Haniyyah Asam
- Leeds Library Life App from Nitya Laxmikant Bhattad
- Leeds Library Linc app from Marek Klodnicki
- Study with a View: Reimagining Library Spaces for Eye Wellness and Mindful Study from Qianxiu Li
- Library Tours and Book Club from Anastu Regita Nareswara.
Read our interviews with each finalist and vote for your favourite idea before 7pm on 3 March. The winner of the public vote will be named as the ‘Students’ Choice’ at the competition’s final event on Tuesday 3 March at HELIX, the University’s learning innovation hub for students.
Shortlisted candidates will benefit from a series of mentoring sessions to build on their idea and prepare a pitch for a live audience at the final. Following their presentations, the overall winner will be awarded the title of ‘Library Innovation Champion’ 2026 by an esteemed panel of judges:
- Josh Sendall, Acting University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection
- Sarah Mulholland, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Student Education
- Melanie Maddison, Visitor Services & Teaching Support team member (Cultural Collections & Galleries)
- Shivani Gug, LUU Executive Officer for Education.
Book your free ticket for the final to find out which idea makes the top spot – and enjoy complimentary refreshments while networking with peers and University staff.
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