Elsevier launches competition to develop library apps

Elsevier has launched a competition to encourage librarians and information professionals to come up with solutions to the challenges that they and their patrons face in the search and discovery of information.

Selected app concepts in the SciVerse Applications Apps for Library Idea Challenge will be posted on the challenge website and open to commentary from peers and the public. This is intended to enable a dialogue within the librarian community to identify problems and discuss potential solutions. Two grand-prize winners will be selected – one by a panel of judges and one by community vote.

The winners will each receive a cash prize of €750 (approximately $1,000 USD). The winners’ names and concepts will also be featured in the relevant Elsevier library and information science journals. Other prizes will be available to eligible idea entrants and commenters.

The deadline for submissions is 2 September 2011. The winners will be announced in November 2011. Elsevier will explore development of the two winning app concepts for inclusion in SciVerse Applications.