Clarivate announces finalists for inaugural Library Innovation Awards
Clarivate has announced the finalists for the inaugural Clarivate Library Innovation Awards, a new annual programme designed to recognise and support innovation in academic, national and public libraries worldwide.
The awards highlight projects demonstrating how libraries are evolving as modern service and knowledge hubs. An independent panel reviewed more than 50 entries from 11 countries and regions, showcasing initiatives ranging from grassroots literacy and outreach programmes to enterprise-level automation, analytics and artificial intelligence.
Bar Veinstein, President, Academia & Government at Clarivate, said: “We congratulate the finalists for their innovative projects that show how libraries continue to innovate, serve and strengthen their communities. Through the Library Innovation Awards, Clarivate is proud to recognise and support this important work, and we thank the judges for their expertise and careful evaluation of the entries.”
The finalists are:
ELUNA Member Category (Academic Libraries North America):
- Stony Brook University Libraries, U.S. – development of a gen-AI powered tool, integrated with the library’s discovery interface, to enhance discoverability and research experience
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, U.S. – initiative to scale and automate the identification, acquisition and delivery of low- or no-cost course materials
- University of Texas at Austin Libraries, U.S. – AI-assisted cataloging initiative for legacy music collections
IGeLU Member Category (Academic Libraries International):
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library, Hong Kong SAR – AI-driven transformation initiative across core functions including resource discovery, learning and research support, operational efficiency and staff capability building
- University of St Andrews, U.K. – using large language model (LLM) technologies to transform a donations backlog into discoverable resources
- University of Western Australia Library, Australia – expanding its digital asset management service to collections held by separate University-aligned groups and bodies
IUG Member Category (Public Libraries):
- Rochester Hills Public Library, U.S. – creation of a developmentally-appropriate discovery interface for children through teenagers, combining professional Early Childhood Literacy expertise with intentional technical design
- Santa Clarita Public Library, U.S. – launched a fully operational mobile library that offers full-service library operations directly into neighbourhoods, schools and community events
- Suffolk Public Library, U.S. – responding to community needs and expanding access to a rural branch without increasing the burden on current staff
Marshall Breeding, Editor-in-Chief, LibraryTechnology.org and a member of the judging panel, said: “I appreciated the opportunity to be part of this year’s adjudication process. What stood out across the entries was a shared commitment, whether in a public or academic library setting, to delivering meaningful outcomes for the students and patrons they serve. From advancing student success and digital scholarship to creating more inclusive and accessible services for patrons, this year’s honourees exemplify how thoughtful innovation can transform both campus and community experiences.”
Finalists in each category will receive all-expenses-paid attendance for two library staff members at one of the respective Clarivate international user group conferences in 2026, where they will be recognised on stage among their peers. Winners in each category will be announced at the respective Clarivate international user group conference.