Leeds University Libraries

An animated person holding a lightbulb presenting a speech to an applauding audience at the HELIX, University of Leeds. Text in a green box reads 'Get your free tickets to the Library Innovation Competition final'

Just under two weeks to go until the Library Innovation Competition final, where the first ever Library Innovation Champion will be crowned 🏆

Get your free ticket: bit.ly/4tpVYD1

There'll be refreshments, opportunities to network and the chance to support your favourite idea! We'll see you there ⭐

Posters and bookmarks promoting library services on the table

Two staff crafting at the welcome event

Cakes and sweet treats at the event

It was brilliant to meet so many University staff members at our Libraries Welcome Fair this afternoon 👏

The Library offers all staff, students and researchers a range of opportunities.

Learn more on our website: bit.ly/4kPBjEG

Marek Klodnicki Third year, Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering Idea - Leeds Library Linc App What is your idea? “The Leeds Library Linc app is a student connectivity platform designed to enhance the university experience. Key features include Study Group postings based on location and topic, a Notice Board for real-time updates, a Time Tracker to monitor time spent in libraries, a Wellbeing section for mental health support and a Skill Share feature for peer-to-peer tutoring.” Why is it important? “I am driven by the belief that educational tools should keep pace with modern technology. I envisioned an app that optimises the student experience. This app provides a dedicated space for students to navigate academic challenges and socialise more effectively.”

Qianxiu Li First year Masters, MA Advertising and Design Idea - Study with a View What is your idea? “My idea explores how to bring a better rhythm to learning through simple spatial and visual design. By incorporating soothing visual installations, nature imagery and gentle eye-care reminders, this project helps students alleviate visual fatigue and study stress caused by prolonged screen time.”   Why is it important? “My idea was inspired by personal experience of staring at a screen for long hours during final exams. The library has measures for physical fatigue but no dedicated space to relieve visual tiredness. I believe a library can be more than a place for study; it can also serve as a space to support students' physical and mental wellbeing.”

Read full interviews with each finalist on our website Vote for your favourite for the Students’ Choice Award by 3 March

The final event will be held at HELIX, the university's learning innovation hub for students.
 
Get your FREE tickets to the final: bit.ly/4tpVYD1 🎟️
 
*Voting closes 7pm, 3 March. The Students' Choice Award is separate to the "Library Innovation Champion" prize.
 
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Meet the finalists of the Library Innovation Competition 2026

Nitya Laxmikant Bhattad First year, BSc International Business and Finance   Idea -Leeds Library Life App What is your idea? “Leeds Library Life is a colourful, student-first mobile app that replaces the university’s text-heavy site with an accessible, community-focused hub. It combines study-space booking, event and volunteer management, a book-exchange marketplace, and a student-author showcase with reading and wellbeing challenges.” Why is it important? “Seeing students who struggle with accessibility and finding opportunities motivated me to imagine a digital library space that feels more human, not just a place for information but a place to belong.”

Haniyyah Asam First year, Law LLB Idea - Reimagining Laidlaw: Laidlaw Creative Expression Initiative What is your idea? “My idea is to create a series of creative competitions that allow students to showcase their skills in ways they may not have had the chance to before. These competitions would cover different areas, such as poetry, photography, and art, giving students the opportunity to think creatively and express themselves.” Why is it important? “Creativity is easy to neglect while focusing on work, but it’s a vital part of our development. Participating would build confidence, improve communication skills and provide tangible achievements for students to showcase.”

Anastu Regita Nareswara First year PhD, School of Food Science and Nutritione Idea - Library Tour and Book Club What is your idea? “My idea includes a guided Library Tour led by students to help new students explore library spaces. It also includes a regular Book and Movie Club to foster a vibrant reading community through book discussions, movie nights and multicultural storytelling. Events like Light Night at the Brotherton showed me how powerful it can be when libraries are not only places to study, but also spaces for culture, creativity and connection.”   Why is it important? “For students, this initiative offers more than study spaces, it creates opportunities to build community, explore different cultures and engage with literature and creativity in an accessible, welcoming environment.”

We're excited to reveal the finalists of the first ever Library Innovation Competition 💡
After receiving a number of thoughtful entries, the final five ideas can now be revealed. You can also vote for your favourite idea for the 'Students' Choice Award'.
Read the full shortlist: bit.ly/4kzxQd5
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Need a motivational space to focus whilst you work? 'Shut Up and Write!' online sessions provide a quiet, supportive space to focus on writing for both taught postgraduates and postgraduate researchers.

Click the link to book: bit.ly/3OeVW0s

Fresh Start 2026 at your Libraries Refresh your skills, try something new and secure your space in our latest workshops.

We would like to extend a warm to our new PG researchers and students here at the University.

We are here to support you, with post-graduate only study spaces, research specific Skills@Library workshops and online access to books via Library Search.

Learn more: bit.ly/4a0xrM5

Twelve months already! Time flies when you're having fun - looking forward to 2026 and another year @openresleeds.bsky.social @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social 😍

Event recording now available on @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social blog:

Archives Across the Atlantic: Unearthing Black Histories

leedsunilibrary.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/a...

A group of friends with the text ‘Why should I enter the Library Innovation Competition?’

Submitting your idea gives you the chance to win £1,000 and potentially work with the Library to enact your idea. If shortlisted, you will be assigned a mentor who will support you with getting your pitch ready to present at the final in March 2026.

Through the process, you’ll be able to develop your skills in writing, pitching, presenting, organisation and teamwork. The idea you submit doesn’t have to be a finished product, but it could lead to real positive impacts in the libraries for current and future students.

Enter by 23 November 2025

Develop your skills and improve your employability - enter the Library Innovation Competition for the chance to win £1,000 and make your idea a reality!

Read more about the competition: bit.ly/3WWypme

Are you currently a University of Leeds student? Do you have an idea that could enhance the student experience, boost wellbeing or improve our Library spaces and services? Here’s your chance to turn your creativity into reality – and win fantastic prizes!  🌱🏆

Learn more and enter: bit.ly/4hE40Tu

A few of our services are down today, meaning that some content on your reading list will not be accessible.
We apologise for the inconvenience. We will aim to update you when everything is back online.

The Edward Boyle Library under construction

A student taking out a book from the library between 1985-1995

Students using computers in the Edward Boyle Library in 2005

The front of Edward Boyle Library today, with daffodils in shot.

The Edward Boyle Library celebrates its 50th birthday today 🎉

Take 50 seconds to learn 50 years of history: bit.ly/43jmnqx

Boosting Research Visibility: Highlights from the 2025 Research Profile Bootcamp* From 10th to 14th March 2025, researchers across disciplines came together for a practical and insightful week of professional development during the Research Profile Bootcamp. This week-long initi…

From the 10th to 14th of March 2025, researchers across disciplines came together for a practical and insightful week of professional development during the Research Profile Bootcamp, organised by Jen Dunhill and Stuart Bowes.

Read about the event and its impact here: bit.ly/4gYJJaH

#AcademicSky

An artist book by the Women’s Group on display in a white exhibition case.

The exhibition is part of the @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social Cultural Collections & Galleries Welcoming Migrants programme.

Run in partnership with Leeds Asylum Seeker Support Network (LASSN) 🧡

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Nick in conversation with his @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social colleague Kikachukwu Oluonye and Associate Professor in Composition and Music Technology @scottmclaughlin.bsky.social

A person sits at a desk reading an old book that is resting on a grey cushion. In the background two more people stand at a desk looking at manuscripts.

Researcher Opportunities!!

Are you a researcher with a background in the arts and humanities? Are you interested in exploring and showcasing world-leading cultural collections? Do you have experience in both academic research and engagement?

Applications are now open for our 2025-26 Fellowships 👇

Michael Fake and Kenny McDowall cutting the ribbon to open the Skills Space with a crowd behind

screen that says 'Welcome to the skills space' with the space in front

individual study desks with a plant on the side

study pods with plants outside them and the writing space in the background

Introducing our new Skills Space!

Located in Laidlaw Library, this dedicated skills development area will increase access to skills support and resources for students in all stages of their academic journey, from first year to postgrad.

Read more: bit.ly/46nGbKi

#Library #Skills #AcademicLibrary

For Heritage Open Days 👇

Take a journey through 90 years of innovation, architecture and bookshelves... 🏦

Hop aboard our tour of 3 magnificent University libraries! 📚

Tuesday 16 September
10:30 – 16:00

Free, book your place: library.leeds.ac.uk/events/event...

@leedsunilibraries.bsky.social

Screening the Fleet: A Conversation about 50 years of the Navy on Screen Exploring 50 years of the Royal Navy on TV and the lens this turns on media, history, and national identity

Prof Rayner shares his research in a talk and discussion with Chris Terrill—filmmaker & broadcaster—followed by an audience Q&A.

📅 Thu 18 Sept,🥂 Drinks 17:15, 🎤 Talk 17:30. 📍Lecture Theatre 02, The Diamond, Sheffield. 🎟️ Free – registration required 👉 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/screening-...

Students walking up the stairs by the Edward Boyle Library during a sunny autumn day

Working on campus over the bank holidays?

We will be open as usual apart from 25–26 August, when our opening hours are:

Edward Boyle Library: 24/7
Laidlaw Library: 9am–5pm
Brotherton and Health Sciences Libraries: Closed

Find out more about our opening hours using this link: bit.ly/4781yBs

We're thrilled that @jsendall.bsky.social is stepping into the role of Acting University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection @UniversityLeeds 🎉

His passion for inclusive leadership makes him the perfect fit to carry the Libraries forward. Exciting times ahead!

#Libraries #HigherEd

A photo of students working in the Writing Space with a banner stand for the space on the right hand side

We're delighted that six of our academic writing mentors have achieved @advancehe.bsky.social's Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) status ⭐

It's fantastic to celebrate the Writing Space's impact and dedication to delivering inclusive teaching 🙌

Read more: bit.ly/3UbCf9P

Ey up, it’s Yorkshire Day! Check out the extensive range of materials we have on our beloved county!

Happy #YorkshireDay

Apart from scenic landscapes, amazing tea and friendly locals, Yorkshire is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage.

So, we've decided to showcase the county’s amazing art and literary history here at the Libraries!📖

Find out more: bit.ly/3IX4x5s

#AcademicSky #LibSky

The exterior of Laidlaw Library in black and white with the Technology from Sage Library of the Month digital badge in the bottom left corner

We're @technologyfromsage.bsky.social's Library of the Month! 🏆

This accolade recognises our advocacy for Lean Library and use of Assist Messages to convey key library guidance, generating almost 8,500 views and supporting thousands of students 🔎

Read more: bit.ly/4lL4h89

#AcademicSky #LibSky

Hi there. We have published a blog post written by a Librarianship student who attended the event. You can read her thoughts and reflections at the link below 🔗

A crowd of people networking in the Nexus building at University of Leeds' Knowledge Futures Symposium. The letters 'NEXUS' are in the background

It's great to see the next generation of librarians contributing to conversations started at the Knowledge Futures Symposium last month 👏

Ellie Weale, Librarianship student at @sheffielduni.bsky.social, shares her reflections in our latest blog post.

Read now: bit.ly/4kqHa16

#LKFS2025 #LibSky

@universityofleeds.bsky.social @masudk.com @jsendall.bsky.social @cgknowles.bsky.social @grabill.bsky.social

Last Friday, we hosted the Knowledge Futures Symposium 📚

We heard from inspirational speakers who examined how knowledge is created, shared and exploited today, and were challenged to think and discuss our role in creating a more equitable and open knowledge future.

#LKFS2025 #Library #LibSky

Adam Rutherford at a podium in front of a screen saying: Data is never neutral. Science is always political.

Data checklist Who is acquiring the Data? How is it being acquired? Who owns and curates the Data? Who is using the Data and for what purposes? Whom does it represent and were they involved in its collection? Who vendors from its use?

@adamrutherford.bsky.social finishes our day with a flourish, with a history of people giving their most personal data, their genome, to private organisations, and how data is manipulated for racism & eugenics. "Data is never neutral. Science is always political. Race is social construct" #LKFS2025

Five presenters of a panel discussion sat in front of a screen

Our final session is on international perspectives on knowledge, with a brilliant panel: @jsendall.bsky.social, Jonathan Bengtson (Uni Victoria), Lindiwe Soyizwapi (Uni Pretoria), Dr Rangashri Kishore (formerly Uni Ashoka and Uni Krea) and Patti Cheung (CUHK).

#LKFS2025 has gone by so quickly!