Library Spark Competition

We are delighted to invite any current students at the University of Bath to take part in our inaugural Library Spark competition. Be a bright spark and share your big idea to help us make the Library even better!

With a prize of £1,000 for the best proposal and the opportunity to enhance your creative, project management, and presentation skills, library staff will collaborate with the winning student(s) to explore the ways in which we can bring their idea to life.

If your idea is shortlisted you'll be invited to present it at a grand final on campus on the afternoon of Wednesday, 20^th March 2024, with a judging panel consisting of Professor Cassie Wilson, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Student Experience), Kate Robinson, University Librarian, and Jimena Alamo, SU President.

The closing date for submissions has now passed and shortlisted applicants have been contacted - please do check your inbox if you've submitted an idea! 

Got a question? Email us on library-spark@bath.ac.uk.

To enter, complete our short application form with the details of your idea:

Entries now closed!

Here are some top tips for preparing your idea for submission to our judging panel:

• Think about how your idea is distinctive and highlight this in your application. We are looking for unique suggestions; you might like to research other university libraries to find out whether they are already doing something similar, or you might be inspired by an initiative in your local, community library which you could transform to fit our HE setting.
• Research what we offer as part of our services and how your idea would expand upon or interact with these. We are looking for exciting, innovative ideas that can build upon what we do.
• Though we welcome big ideas that will have a big impact on the Library, be aware that we are working within the framework of a limited budget. 
• When preparing your application, remember to craft it in a way that will make sense to a reader who is coming to it with fresh eyes. Provide context and be concise – perhaps you could ask a friend to read through your application before you submit it.
• Share your enthusiasm! Demonstrating your passion and detailing the ways in which you were inspired to come up with your idea you will help to make your application stand out.

Please make sure to submit your idea by 11:59pm on 26^th February 2024, as we will not be able to consider applications received after this deadline.

Those who have been shortlisted to present their idea at the grand final will be informed via email on Friday, 8^th March, so do keep an eye on your inbox!

All innovative ideas are welcome! Here are some top-level themes that might provide inspiration:

• Space – have you spotted any opportunities that we might have to make our space more user-friendly and inclusive? Are there ways in which we can develop the accessibility of our space? An example of what we are already doing in this area is the soon-to-be-opened Sensory Room on level 3 which will provide a comfortable space for neurodivergent students to study in.
• Sustainability – are there ways in which we can further embed our commitment to sustainability across our services and space?
• Health and Wellbeing – can you think of any ways in which we could increase support for our community’s health and wellbeing?
• Digital – have you got a unique idea for how we can enhance our digital service? Is there a way that we can improve our help pages or other media? Are there new resources that you would like to see?
• Collection – while using our catalogue and collection, have you thought of any ways that we could expand our offering or make it more accessible? 

Of course, your idea may fall outside of the above themes, and that’s ok too! We welcome all bright ideas that have the aim of positive change.

We are committed to embedding the University’s core Values in all that we do, and we place a strong emphasis on equality, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. We would therefore encourage you to consider how your idea fits with this ethos.

For detailed information on rules, terms, and conditions, please see here.

Save the date! Please note that, if your idea is shortlisted, you will need to be available to attend the grand final on the afternoon of Wednesday, 20^th March 2024.

Got a question? Email us on library-spark@bath.ac.uk.