Although academic librarianship has gradually moved toward shared responsibility and increased participation in management policy and decision making, particularly in personnel matters, no consummate body of literature currently exists on the topic of the recruitment, selection, and retention of academic reference librarians. 1 The purpose of this article, therefore, is to suggest salient factors which can contribute to successful employment practices in college and university libraries.

Libraries must transform the way they think and take a stronger leadership role in campus planning efforts, especially as information technology assumes an increased presence in all facets of higher education. The move toward campus portal development and use, and the rise of electronic course delivery systems with built‐in electronic course packs, offer particular opportunities for academic libraries to clarify their role and assert their expertise.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the journal, Reference Services Review, since the editorship of Ilene F. Rockman began in 1986.Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes how the journal has become one of the most respected in its profession, has encouraged new authors and published several ground-breaking articles over the past two decades.Findings - The journal's standard of excellence is high and continues to model a commitment to, and passion for, reference services and collections, utilization of technology to help users and innovation in library instruction and information library programs.Originality/value - The paper offers a reflection of RSR and its contribution toward equity and social responsibility.

PurposeTo inform readers about the new information and communication technology assessment tool developed by the Education Testing Service and a consortium of two and four‐year academic institutions in the USA.Design/methodology/approachA concise assessment of the tool.FindingsThe tool is scenario, performance, and problem‐based so that students must demonstrate their knowledge. It is also interactive and recognises that students should be able to integrate various skills to solve real‐life problems.Originality/valueWill assist higher education institutions and workforce/career centers about the unique scenario‐based, web‐based assessment tool which integrates the proficiencies of information literacy with the use of digital and computer technologies, along with the principles of the ethical and legal use of information.

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of the need to critically evaluate information, no matter what the source or origin.Design/methodology/approach – Examines how information is distributed to end users.Findings – This article notes that changes in business and marketing strategies have caused information to be communicated in more personal ways, yet evaluation criteria should still be applied.Originality/value – Reinforces the value of evaluating all types of information sources, especially newer forms such as blogs and podcasts.

Purpose - Proposes advocating that reference librarians have a distinct and important role in the development, management, dissemination, and sustainability of institutional repositories.Design/methodology/approach - Suggests working with faculty and students to encourage them to share their research and instructional products, and to contribute to the extension of their discipline's knowledge base in new and meaningful ways.Findings - Notes that reference librarians are natural partners to be involved with institutional repositories because of their service orientation, subject experience as knowledge managers, and communication skills.Originality/value - Makes important recommendations about the role of the reference librarian in contributing to the success of institutional repositories.

PurposeDraws parallels between individuals and organizations, and notes the importance of having regular, periodic organizational checks to avoid incurring serious problems.Design/methodology/approachSuggests collecting and analyzing appropriate data, and getting a second opinion when necessary, as a strategy to better understand an organization's health.FindingsBeing clear about one's purpose, strategic initiatives, and/or goals – what one intends to learn, and how one plans to use the findings – is of uppermost importance.Originality/valueOutlines the order in which data should be collected and how to use the information found.

Reflects on the selected papers from the 2004 LOEX‐of‐the‐West Conference to note the importance of collaboration and connections to advance information literacy goals with college and university faculty and students.

Focuses on the importance of providing internal customer services to library staff and student assistants, by encouraging recommendations and suggestions for service improvements. By doing so, a positive impact can result and a clearer message can be delivered to external constituencies.

Research has shown that in order to develop information literacy skills, students must be given repeated opportunities throughout their college years to acquire and exercise these skills in their daily lives. Integrating Information Literacy into the Higher Education Curriculum is filled with information and practical examples from a wide variety of institutions that show how information literacy programs and partnerships can transform the higher education teaching and learning environments. The contributors to this important resource are experts in the field and include such leaders as Pam Baker, Amelie Brown. Lynn Cameron, Renee R. Curry, Susan Carol Curzon, Trudi E.Jacobson, Bonnie Gratch Lindauer, Ilene F. Rockman, and Patrick Sullivan. The Foreword is by Patricia Senn Breivik.

Promotes the important leadership role that academic librarians should play in medical and health sciences communities. This role includes teaching, technology, research support, outreach activities, and scholarly communication services.

Explores the ways in which the working environment in libraries can be made to be more fun. Among the methods discussed are: sports tournaments, dress‐up days, award ceremonies, contests, recreational activities, food‐related events and learn‐at‐lunch sessions. Highlights the ways in which fun, and laughter in particular, can add to a sense of wellbeing, relaxation and a positive outlook in the workplace.

Concentrates on information literacy, by way of attendance at an international symposium, which was a common theme by the speakers. Records that information literacy is a worldwide phenomenon and not just a movement in the USA. Concludes it is important that students build on a strong foundation of information literacy skills and abilities using the faculty‐librarian partnerships fully to do this.

Promotes the notion that academic librarians use their daily work as a springboard for applied research studies to advance the mission, goals, services, and programs of their higher education institutions.

A la California State University, la cooperation entre enseignants et bibliothecaires a permis de faire progresser l'integration de la culture de l'information dans les resultats obtenus par les etudiants dans le cadre de disciplines specifiques. Des ateliers visant a definir et a articuler les competences en information requises a chaque niveau et pour chaque discipline ont ete mis en place a l'intention des etudiants de premiere annee et dans les departements de sciences biologiques, d'histoire et de psychologie et d'assistance educatives.

Posits that libraries have planned ahead and taken their services to where users require them most rather than becoming too insular or denying users the chance to learn in a modern environment using virtual reference services, for instance. Contends that librarians need to be proactive and to think creatively about delivery of service – perhaps moving from behind a desk to help students at computers when they are in need.

Looks at papers presented at the LOEX‐of‐the‐West Conference “Expanded conversations: collaborating for student learning” held in 2002 in Eugene, Oregon, USA, which cover innovative research projects in the areas of information literacy. Concludes that by listening to campus colleagues and students unexpected benefits can be gained.

States that assessment is a process for quality improvement and libraries, as administrative and academic units, have an important role to play in the continuous improvement of their parent organizations. Looks at how student performance can be assessed and concludes that this can help us to understand better why students fail or master certain courses, which will help in developing change and improvement in the area of student learning.