We are excited to announce that Eden Earnshaw and Yuki Chen, final‑year Economics students, are the winners of our inaugural Library Next Chapter Challenge Competition.
Held for the first time this March, the competition invited students to submit innovative ideas to improve our services, spaces and the overall Library experience for future Surrey students. We received an incredible range of proposals, and although only one idea could be named the winner, the judging panel was so impressed that we plan to introduce as many shortlisted concepts as possible. All finalists also received a cash prize in recognition of their hard work.
Shortlisted Ideas
Affirmation Mirror – Katia Gardner‑Thorpe
Katia proposed the installation of Affirmation Mirrors in Library bathrooms—featuring uplifting messages, soft lighting and wellbeing QR links—to offer quick, accessible moments of motivation and stress relief during study periods.
Library Live Heat Map – Mohd Amir Suhel
Mohd Amir pitched a real‑time seating availability tool using Wi‑Fi data to display occupancy in the Library through an app and foyer screens, using simple green‑amber‑red indicators.
Library “Lock‑In” Study Sessions – Demetria Delp
Demetria’s idea focused on bi‑weekly evening study sessions where students work individually but together in a reserved space, creating motivation, structure and focus through shared intentionality.
Silent Pods – Ben Mcgartland & Ali Safhiq
Ben and Ali presented the Silent Pods initiative—sound‑insulated, bookable study booths located in the Library and across campus. These pods would expand access to quiet, comfortable individual study spaces, especially during busy periods.
Winning Idea: The Library of Things
After careful deliberation, the judges selected Library of Things, pitched by Eden Earnshaw and Yuki Chen, as the winning concept.
Their proposal introduces a curated lending collection of practical tools, equipment and useful everyday items—allowing students to borrow them just like books. Many students only need short‑term access to items they may not wish to purchase or store long‑term.
Potential items include:
- Toolkits, sewing kits, baking kits
- Extension leads and adapters, speakers
- Whiteboards
- Tripods and light rings
- Small event equipment for societies
The Library of Things expands the core mission of the Library: providing shared access to resources that support learning, creativity, independence and community. This initiative strengthens the Library as a hub where students can create, repair and collaborate.
We plan to begin piloting the Library of Things very soon and will share updates as the project develops.
Chair of judges, Paul Johnson Library Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the afternoon “The judges were hugely impressed with all the entries. All the students involved had put such a great deal of thought and research into their ideas, as well as their presentations. There was very little to choose between them, but Eden and Yuki’s idea just won out as they showed such consideration for the cost of living and sustainability. We would like to thank all those who submitted ideas, as well as the finalists and the library staff who had supported the initiative, and the judges thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.”
Congratulations and Thanks
A huge congratulations to Eden and Yuki, and to all of our fantastic finalists—their creativity and insight made this a brilliant event. We would also like to extend our thanks to our judging panel, Paul Johnson (Library Director) Emma Rowsell (Chief Student Officer) and Victoria Wiltshire (Student Voice Co-ordinator) , and to acknowledge the insights shared by the University of Bath team from their own innovation competition, Library Spark
