iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Was great seeing so many members of staff learning about the libraries today at our welcome fair📚 If you want to know more about all the different things that our library offers to staff, students and researchers then check out our website: bit.ly/4y4gk6S 🔗

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Last week, we hosted the first ever final of the Library Innovation Competition at HELIX 💡 PhD student, Anastu Regita Nareswara won big for her idea of library tours and a book club – awarded both the title of Library Innovation Champion and the Students' Choice Award! Read more: bit.ly/40SGGcR

A photo of all the Library Innovation Competition finalists holding their certificates at the final event in HELIX

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Have you voted for your favourite idea to enhance the Library yet? 👀 The winner of the Library Innovation Competition Students' Choice Award will be revealed at the live final on 3 March at HELIX, alongside the overall prize winner - the "Library Innovation Champion" 🏆 Vote now: bit.ly/4kzxQd5 🗳️

Animated character sitting in HELIX with a plant next to them. There is a lightbulb above their head as if they had an idea. Text in green boxes read 'Who do you want to win the Students' Choice Awards?' and 'Vote for your favourite for the Students' Choice Award by 3 March'

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

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 ⭐

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'

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

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

Posters and bookmarks promoting library services on the table

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

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. (2/2)

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

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

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 (1/2)

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.”

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

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

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.

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

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

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

The Edward Boyle Library celebrates its 50th birthday today 🎉 Take 50 seconds to learn 50 years of history: bit.ly/43jmnqx

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.

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

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

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

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

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

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

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

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

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

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

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

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

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

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

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

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

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

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

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

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

@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

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?

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

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!

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

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

We’re excited to be hosting the Knowledge Futures Symposium today at @universityofleeds.bsky.social! Looking forward to discussing how we can collectively confront the defining questions of our time around knowledge and its role in shaping a better society. #academicsky

Knowledge futures symposium display screen

Jeff Grabill introduces the first session with two panel speakers

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

The collaborative learning area in our Health Sciences Library is now officially open!🏫 Many thanks to everyone who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony today.🎀 #LibSky #AcademicSky

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Are you looking for motivation, guidance, or just some company while you work on your dissertation? 📝 Join our drop-in sessions to discuss ideas with fellow students or consult with our experienced team about your dissertation.💡 Find out more with this link: bit.ly/3FNUP4g #LibSky #AcademicSky

3 students talking to each other while sitting and surrounding a small round table in Laidlaw Library (with the skills@library banner behind them)

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Calling all University of Leeds staff with experience of the Reading List system! 🚨 The Libraries team are looking for insights to improve your experience of reading lists and ensure students have access to the resources they need. Share your thoughts to help drive improvements ➡️ bit.ly/440C8CC

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Test out @iiif.bsky.social's advanced deep zoom technology with our digital exhibition 'Welcome to Yorkshire: The art of Marie Hartley'. You can now take a much closer look at the artist's amazing artworks of Yorkshire!🎨 Use this link to explore the exhibition: bit.ly/4kRQVGy #IIIF #AcademicSky

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

We're excited to welcome @iiif.bsky.social‪‬ to Leeds for the 2025 International Image Interoperability Framework Annual Conference, which starts today! 🔍 To find out how we're using IIIF's technology to upgrade our catalogue records, check out this news story: bit.ly/IIIFdeepzoom #IIIF #LibSky

A magnifying glass zooming into the details of an archival book

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

A new partnership with Sylla, an innovative platform that empowers libraries to integrate open educational resources into modules, aims to enhance both student and staff experiences at Leeds. Read more about the partnership: bit.ly/3STSOpU #AcademicSky #LibSky #PHDSky #UniOfLeeds

A student working at a desk in the library with a blurry bookcase in the foreground on the right

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

The newly refurbished collaborative learning area in the Health Sciences Library has reopened!🤩 The space incorporates natural lighting, greenery, and comfortable seating, providing students with a great working environment. Find out more here: bit.ly/4kkFIxC #AcademicSky #LibSky #PhDSky

Image of the new group study room in the Health Sciences Library, with long benches, a tall ceiling, greenery, tables and shelves.

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Join our upcoming online event to discover the insights of Generative AI from professionals and contribute to our open living book project about the use of Generative AI in your learning!🤖 ⏰20 May 2025 📍Microsoft Teams Register here: bit.ly/42Y5VfT #AcademicSky #LibSky #PhDSky

A poster of the event, with a robot peeking out of a laptop and touching a CPU with the word AI on it.

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Exciting news!📢 The Peregrines have returned to nest above the Brotherton Library and have laid 5 eggs so far! 🦅🪺 The Sustainability Service's live feed gives you a front-row seat to the nesting tray. Check it out using the following link: bit.ly/3DM2cZ6 #AcademicSky #EnvSci #LibSky #Peregrines

Peregrines nesting in the nesting tray on top of the Parkinson Building

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Happy World Book Day! 📚 To celebrate, we've set up a display of some very interesting books at the Brotherton Library (see below). Go check them out today! We've also got access to over a million books on Perlego, which you can access with the University log-in through this link: bit.ly/41oCwcJ

Display of binded books for world book day

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Become an Academic Writing Mentor!📝 - It's a paid opportunity (12£/h TBC) - Full Training will be provided - No previous experience needed (but you must have completed 1 academic year at Leeds) - Boost your own writing confidence Sign up to express your interest using this link: bit.ly/3EzMPTB

writing space mentors standing by the writing space banner

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Leeds University Libraries @leedsunilibraries.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Hey there, welcome to the University of Leeds Libraries account! We're looking forward to connecting with researchers, colleagues, students and the wider #AcademicSky community on the platform so do get in touch. We'll keep you up-to-date with the latest news and events at the Libraries!

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