An independent judging panel selected finalists who demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation and impact
London, U.K. March 5, 2026. Clarivate Plc (NYSE:CLVT), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today announced the finalists of the inaugural Clarivate Library Innovation Awards, an annual program designed to recognize and support innovation by academic, national and public libraries worldwide.
The finalists were selected by an independent panel of judges, including leaders from global library organizations. The judging panel reviewed over 50 diverse and high-caliber range of entries from 11 countries/regions which demonstrated the innovation, creativity and impact of libraries, and their impact on their patrons, students or communities. From grassroots literacy and outreach programs to enterprise-level automation, analytics and AI, the submissions reveal the breadth of innovation shaping libraries as modern service and knowledge hubs.
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 recognize and support this important work, and we thank the judges for their expertise and careful evaluation of the entries.”
The Clarivate Library Innovation Awards 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—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 neighborhoods, 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
Judging panel:
- Beau Case – Dean of University Libraries, University of Central Florida
- Catherine Lau – Deputy CEO, The National Library and Archives Board (Singapore)
- Dave Allen – Chair, IGeLU
- Eleanor Crumblehulme – Chair, IUG
- Jason Griffith – Chair, ELUNA
- Lynda James-Gilboe – Library Advocate & CEO, AdaptLeadSucceed
- Marshall Breeding – Editor-in-Chief, LibraryTechnology.org
- Sam Helmick – President, American Library Association
Marshall Breeding, Editor-in-Chief at LibraryTechnology.org 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 honorees 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 recognized on stage amongst their peers. The winner in each category will be announced at the respective Clarivate international user group conference.
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About Clarivate
Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com
Media contact:
Helen Chung-Kesl, Manager, External Communications, Academia & Government
