Since submissions opened on December 15, we’ve already seen strong early interest from libraries around the world, with 29 entries submitted in the first 48 hours.
This early engagement reinforces what we know to be true: libraries are doing innovative, impactful work every day, and those stories should be shared in the international arena.
The Clarivate Library Innovation Awards were created to recognize and celebrate your hard work. As libraries prepare their submissions, a common question has arisen:
What makes a strong submission?
We encourage you to focus on impact, not perfection. Below is a guide to help applicants through the submission process.
Strong entries clearly communicate why the project or initiative matters. This does not require polished marketing language, large-scale programs, or alignment with specific vendors.
Importantly, submissions do not need to reference or include Clarivate products.
Products or technologies can certainly be part of your initiative, but the emphasis is on the story behind the work and the impact that it is making.
What matters most is demonstrating how your idea, project, or initiative made a meaningful difference – whether for staff, students, users, patrons or the broader community that you serve. Entries should focus on outcomes and purpose rather than aspirational goals. Clear, straightforward descriptions are often the most compelling.
Highlight innovation in context
Innovation can take many forms. A strong entry explains what was new or different within your library’s own context. This might include:
- An innovative approach to service delivery
- A creative response to a community challenge
- An impactful improvement to an existing staff process
- Driving student or patron engagement
- Doing more with less – managing budgetary restraints
Innovation does not need to be complex, large-scale, or technology-driven. What matters is thoughtful, problem-solving intentional change, and how that change addresses a real need in the library’s environment.
Show how the project or initiative came to life
Judges will look for a clear sense of how an initiative or project moved from ideation to implementation.
Strong entries will briefly describe the thinking and steps behind the work, including:
- The need or challenge that prompted the project or initiative
- Key decisions or trade-offs made along the way
- How the initiative evolved once it was launched
This context helps the judges to understand the journey behind your work, not just the end result, and highlights the learning and adaptability involved in the process.
Emphasize sustainability and reach
Entries are strengthened by explaining how the initiative will be maintained over time or how it may influence future work. Sustainability can take many forms, including:
- Continued use or adaptation
- Integration into regular operations
- Potential for scale and growth
Even small initiatives can demonstrate sustainability when they are thoughtfully designed.
Keep your submission clear and accessible
The strongest submissions are easy to follow. Clear structure, plain language, and concise explanations go a long way to influence the judges. There is no need to overextend responses – clarity and focus are more impactful than length.
This is your chance to tell us your story
The Clarivate Library Innovation Awards are open to public, academic, national libraries, and consortia worldwide. Eligible initiatives or projects must have been launched or significantly advanced within the past 24 months, and submissions are reviewed by an independent panel of library professionals using transparent judging criteria.
If your library has implemented an initiative or project that has made a difference, this is the time to submit your entry and showcase your library’s achievements.
Don’t miss out!
Need help? Email us: LibraryAwards@Clarivate.com
Drive innovation. Share impact.