SCONUL Library Design Awards 2025
19 November 2025 
Jo Lambert, Deputy Director
We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 SCONUL Library Design Awards, which includes a new category for service design this year, alongside the established category.
London South Bank University is the winner of the service design category. Judges noted a clear alignment between the library’s services and the institutional strategy, with the library demonstrating impressive leadership in terms of advocacy and influence at university level.
Lancaster University is the winner of the library spaces category. Judges agreed that the space is a thoughtfully designed, versatile environment that offers an inspirational model due to its inclusive design and positive stakeholder feedback.
The V&A and University of Limerick both received highly commended recognition for their library spaces. Judges felt that the V&A’s approach was innovative, with space that was well-integrated with the museum, linking back to exhibitions and events. In the case of the University of Limerick, Judges noted a strong sense of service, continuously finding ways to improve stakeholders’ experiences. Elements such as the digital makerspace floor are highly flexible and student-led, fostering experimentation with technology and making it a standout feature in the library’s design.
The Library Design Awards Panel is chaired by Dr Judith Keene, Director of Library Services, University of Worcester, who said:
‘It has been inspirational to learn of the wide range of activity in the sector that is demonstrating creativity, innovation and leadership in the face of the challenging times we are going through. On visiting the shortlisted institutions the judging panel engaged with teams who were uniformly passionate about providing excellent services and spaces to their users. I have been honoured meet them and to chair the awards.’
Ann Rossiter, Executive Director at SCONUL, said:
‘Libraries remain at the heart of our academic life, shaping user experiences and engagement with the learning and research process. The Library Design Awards celebrate innovative spaces and services that transform user engagement, champion creativity and innovation, and set standards for accessibility and impact across our academic communities. We’re delighted to reveal this year’s worthy winners that reflect the very best in library design.’
Winner of service design category: London South Bank University
Winner of library spaces category: Lancaster University
Highly commended for library spaces: The V&A and University of Limerick