Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to propose the strategic choice of innovative university library, including its definitions, structure framework. As a case study, the construction practice and idea development of the innovative library in Shanghai Jiao Tong University are also to be introduced and explained. Design/methodology/approach -The paper combines the methods of scenario analysis and theoretical explanation, modeling presentation and case study. Findings -A model of innovative university library and IC 2 @SJTUL, a kind of new mode adapting to it are put forward in the paper. These modes apply to university libraries, which need innovation and support training of innovative users. Research limitations/implications -At present the necessary have been built but environments for IC 2 @SJTUL its effects need practice testing. Originality/value -The basic definition and structure framework of an innovative university library are designed in this paper. The pioneer concept, i.e. IC 2 , is demonstrated and the new mode of IC 2 @SJTUL is also presented.