Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate examples of the manner by which the academic library breaks down the silos on a college campus. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and commentary on this topic have been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings On a college campus, the value and impact of the academic library is today more than that of the standard model of libraries in which reference librarians offer available appropriate academic resources; but, the academic library is a place where the teaching and learning model of the standard model meets that of the support model to provide its users the best service by incorporating both aspects of the service. Originality/value The significance in exploring this topic is to provide evidence by which the academic library can and does offer a multitude of services that it can serve as the literal and physical center of a college campus.

Purpose - The purpose of this column is to examine artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential relationship to the library. Design/methodology/approach - Literature review and commentary on this topic have been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings - The very disruptive nature of any new technology could be viewed as a threat to many institutions, including the library. But with the eventual acceptance and incorporation of AI into its services, it is certainly possible to speculate that this latest technology intrusion could also offer many potential positive enhancements into a multitude of library services, many of which are only being examined, considered and piloted in their early stages of development. Originality/value - The value in exploring this topic is to present a look at the potential of using AI in the library and to open a discussion of its potential benefits.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the library’s expanded role into its engagement with the user experience (UX). Design/methodology/approach Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings Although UX is constantly expanding its focus, in actively paying close attention to its users’ unique and distinctive requirements, libraries can react more effectively in serving its patrons with a realistic and sensible set of options for the programs and services developed to satisfy the user’s changing needs and expectations. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to present a snapshot of several of the elements used by libraries in their efforts to understand and react to its patrons’ needs through its strategies deployed in support of the user experience.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to reflect on the author’s decade as a columnist for New Library World and Information and Learning Science. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings When a patron approaches a librarian with a question, and the resources are discovered that can aid and support that patron in finding a solution to his or her dilemma, the stock of the librarian rises, reminding the public that with all the changes around the profession since the advent of the internet, the human touch, that face-to-face interaction and personal communication skill, still remains a significant instrument in the librarian’s customer services toolkit. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is for others to acknowledge that which has been gained over time by an experienced library colleague.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the use of a virtual private network (VPN) as an additional protective strategy for patrons using library computers. Design/methodology/approach This study is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings Credit must be given to those libraries who have made free VPN services available to their patrons, thus encouraging off-site usage of library resources through this extra layer of authentication in an effort to provide them with a trust level of privacy beyond their standard expectations. Should the library not provide such a service at present, at least an individual can add a VPN to one’s protective bag of tricks to, perhaps, in an effort to place even a limited constraint on those who would do them harm when online. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to provide some context and potential options for patrons through their use of a VPN.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to report that the library has recognized the benefit to the community of including art gallery space in the library. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings Exposure to art in the library can open and expand worlds that might never have been available to some and can provide the populace with greater access directly in their own community. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to provide libraries that may not have considered including an art gallery in their libraries to consider the possibility of doing so.

Purpose The purpose of this column is to offer a snapshot of privacy in the library today. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings It is significant that library users understand the disruptive nature of the online environment and its impact on privacy. Library users should welcome the controls and protections put in place while working in an open access environment, so that one does not fall victim to privacy breaches. After all, many years ago, the American Library Association codified that privacy is a “fundamental human right”. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to communicate that privacy in a library is of paramount concern, and constant vigilance is needed to ensure a library user’s right to privacy.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to suggest that today's libraries function using business practices in its management of the library to ensure that its service-based mission is respected. Design/methodology/approach - Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings - Libraries have learned from business the importance of using not only the business practice of using a vigorous level of data-driven decision-making, but data-driven reporting as well to a public that expects a higher level of scrutiny, clarity and precision. Paired with evidence from those who have benefitted from the library's programs and services most visibly, this combination of data and human-driven anecdotes can serve as the optimum marriage of business and service-based confirmation of library success. Originality/value - The value in exploring this topic is to make the distinction between libraries whose supporters expect it to be formally managed like a business as opposed to those who suggest that business practices be used in library operations to ensure its mission as a service-based entity is maintained.

Purpose The purpose of this column is to examine the process for the transition of library computer labs into “thinking labs”, where existing library workstation space can be reallocated to provide more flexibility, freedom and creativity for the library patron. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings The transition of library computer labs into “thinking labs” is an initiative where library planners can experiment with ideas and concepts in library design to provide the most effective user experience through a “fresh perspective”. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to propose that library planners and designers create space unlike traditional designs to provide patrons with a more transformative thinking, learning and creative library experience.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide examples by which the library, in its role as an essential service positioned at the center of a community, offers its services to not only a segment of the community but to it in its entirety. Design/methodology/approach This is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings If it is to remain a viable, productive and trusted symbol of equality and humanity, the library must ensure that, whether it is located in a village, a town or a municipality, the library stands as the center of its community, with its doors swung wide and welcoming to all who enter. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to offer several examples of evidence indicating that the library is expected to continue in its role as an essential and respected community service, with programs and services accessible to all into the future.

Purpose The purpose of this column is to describe several examples of libraries providing services to their patrons to broaden their impact beyond their four walls. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings Mobility substantiates the claim that library users have certain expectations from their libraries, not the least of which is to maintain a currency with the latest technological advances through its services. Therefore, younger generations brought up on high-tech access to their library materials via an array of services outside the building itself is paramount to a public expecting its links to services anywhere, anytime. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to examine several real-world scenarios where libraries have provided exceptional services beyond the building to satisfy the ever-expanding expectations of their users.

Purpose The purpose of this column is to consider the role of libraries in an effort to preserve and protect a collective digital memory. Design/methodology/approach This paper addresses literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings Libraries and library consortia will help go forward into the future and expand as trusted repositories where digital memory can be preserved and shared. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to examine the library environment for collection, storage and dissemination of digital information.

Purpose - The purpose of this column is to consider the strategy of "connected learning" and the library's inclusion in the process.Design/methodology/approach - Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.Findings - It is the library's responsibility to serve as an active catalyst for connected learning, and a librarian's cognizance of the latest and most effective strategies for engaging with students are presented as viable options for extended learning with the overall goal of student success.Originality/value - The value in exploring this topic is to examine the natural connection between the library and the students, creating the recognition that the library is a trusted institution in the connected learning model.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the use of Open Electronic Resources (OER) as a supplement or replacement for textbooks or entire courses in higher education teaching and learning.Design/methodology/approach - This paper is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.Findings - Librarians are in a unique position to offer support for faculty seeking to incorporate OER into their courses. In an overall effort to serve as an important option to the mounting costs of education, librarians can offer up their knowledge, skill and training in the development and evaluation of OER.Originality/value - The value in exploring this topic is to examine the library's use of OER and their benefits and challenges in a higher education classroom environment.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the use of Open Electronic Resources (OER) as a supplement or replacement for textbooks or entire courses in higher education teaching and learning. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings Librarians are in a unique position to offer support for faculty seeking to incorporate OER into their courses. In an overall effort to serve as an important option to the mounting costs of education, librarians can offer up their knowledge, skill and training in the development and evaluation of OER. Originality/value The value in exploring this topic is to examine the library’s use of OER and their benefits and challenges in a higher education classroom environment.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the current environment for libraries to consider the value of using data to support decision-making. Design/methodology/approach – This paper contains literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – In developing a library’s strategic direction, it is essential that evidentiary data be referenced to supplement the organization’s rationale for decision-making. There is an expectation by stakeholders that libraries are able to generate reports and decisions based on aggregated data for in-demand reporting. Therefore, capturing, analyzing and reporting decisions based on data are indispensable in today’s libraries. Originality/value – The value in addressing this topic is to examine the option by libraries to use data to support data-driven decision-making.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the Internet of Things (IOT) and its potential impact on libraries. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a literature review and a commentary on this topic that have been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – In communicating the issues when comprehending the scope of the IOT, libraries need not succumb to the sometimes near-hysteria that surrounds the rhetoric regarding security and privacy. But, librarians must actively engage in the conversation and its subsequent actions to respond to patrons who use library networks and devices with calm, logical and transparent answers to those questions concerning what they are doing to ensure that security and privacy vulnerabilities are regularly addressed. Originality/value – The value in concentrating on this topic is to provide background and suggest several approaches to security and privacy concerns regarding the IOT.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to emphasize that hiring a library employee in possession of a positive and winning attitude can pay enormous benefits for the organization far into the future. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and commentary on this topic has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – While it can be difficult to completely be certain that one has made the right choice with every hire, at least by developing a set of effective interview questions, listening closely to the candidate’s responses and appraising any negative bent in mood or language with the objective of assessing attitude at the outset of the interview can lead to a more successful hiring experience. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to submit that hiring employees for their attitude and training them for their skills can result in a workplace where the positive benefits of such hires can be realized daily.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to comment on the enhanced expectation by academic library students who require increased speed of reference and research support, where limited time and increasing distractions are a constant concern. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners. Findings – The speed of access and delivery of information stand as dual support pillars in today’s academic on-ground and digitally driven library setting. The librarian must surely be cognizant of many a customer’s expectation that “instant gratification takes too long”. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to suggest that, while there is an expectation that students will always receive a successful outcome in their reference or research interaction with an academic librarian, students must likewise recognize that quality must not be sacrificed in favor of speed.