SJSU King Library believes in nurturing creativity and connecting students with the tools to express their ideas. In that spirit, the SJSU King Library from September 4, 2024 to September 30, 2024, invited students to participate in a contest to explore their imaginations and create the library of their dreams using Adobe Firefly AI art generator. Supported by Adobe Trainer and Instructional Designer Raymond Lam, this initiative combined creative technology to offer students a unique opportunity to showcase what they value most in their library.
Students crafted AI-generated images by developing a unique prompt to describe their ideal library using mindful figurative language. Whether it’s an underwater oasis filled with books or a futuristic space with AI-powered research stations, students were encouraged to think big and bold. The contest was judged on creativity, vision, and thoughtfulness, with the first-place winner receiving a $100 gift card, and two runner-ups earning $50 each.
To help participants refine their submissions, Lam hosted a workshop on September 18, 2024, with over 50 campus members attending, offering expert guidance on how to use Adobe Firefly.
“It was wonderful to work with students who had never used Adobe Firefly,” said Lam. “This contest was a unique opportunity to examine different preferred user experiences while introducing students to new technologies.”
Next steps: The Library Marketing Team in partnership with Raymond Lam, will perform a theme analysis of the submitted prompts to understand what students want for their library spaces. Initial findings suggest a desire to integrate nature, coziness, technology, and whimsy fun as top values for library users.
The contest offered a chance for students to dream about spaces that foster learning, community, and creativity while learning innovative software.
Anyone in the SJSU community interested in learning more about Firefly or other Adobe tools can contact Lam directly for support or can create their own dream library by visiting the Adobe Digital Café website.
Contest created and implemented by the Library Marketing Team.
1st Place Winner
Diana Nataly Gonzalez, '25 International Business
"My dream library is a tribute to my culture while blending tradition with comfort. At the heart of the library, I envision a grandmother reading her favorite stories to her granddaughter. The image is inspired by my childhood phone calls with my grandmother. I wished she could have shared her stories with me. It is a place where stories are not just read, but creating a bond between generations, and creating a bridge between past, present, and future. This space would be enchanting and inviting to all who enter it."
2nd Place Winner
Lwin Moe, '26 Computer Science
"My dream library would be a bright, open space with lots of natural light and big windows. In this library, there would be advanced technology everywhere. The atmosphere would be modern, calm and inspiring, perfect for learning or relaxing. It is a place where everyone, from children to adults, can find something they enjoy and feel at home."
3rd Place Winner
Sarah Cesta, '25 Masters in Library & Information Science
"My dream library is designed to be cozy, welcoming, and inclusive – a space where everyone feels invited and at ease. It’s not just a place for patrons to find books, but a sanctuary where they can escape, study, learn, browse, or simply relax in an environment that fosters support and collaboration. The reference desk encircles this tree, symbolizing a bridge between the natural world and the world of knowledge—a central hub where learning, curiosity, and tranquility meet."