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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.

Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

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”.

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.

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.

Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

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.

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.

There is evidence that the percentage of students in the higher education environment in the USA who will be using technology everyday in 2010 could reach nearly 100 percent. With such a possibility looming, will the plethora of e‐book readers or hand‐held multi‐functional devices designed to download and read e‐books change the reading habits of our students? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the present state of e‐book readers and consider their potential impact on the academic environment.

The approach taken is a literature review and commentary on this topic that is now being addressed by cost‐conscious colleagues.

The e‐book reader that becomes the standard will win the day appealing to college students by virtue of its cost and the variety of features that allow them the ability to retrieve the largest number of accessible materials to support their coursework.

The value is in addressing this issue is to keep fresh the discussion on this topic and its potential impact on college students.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the notion of “post‐literacy,” a presumption that posits reading will be transformed by electronic devices into an experience rather different than printed text readers encounter, and that, perhaps, a level of post‐literacy has already been reached given the plethora of e‐reading devices currently available.

The paper uses a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by writers and researchers.

Librarians would agree that there is increasing evidence of a digital shift in the reading habits of their patrons, thus supporting the premise of a post‐literate environment. In order to meet the challenge within this change environment, libraries will need to plan their collections and services expeditiously and measure their expenditures differently each year to serve a public keen on an interest in digital reading materials.

The value in addressing this issue is to consider some of the evidence suggesting that the transformation of reading from a traditional print engagement with text to a model that will be largely digital is currently underway.

The purpose of this column is to examine the matter of college textbook affordability and the library's role in the discussion.

The paper is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

There are a number of issues to address when approaching the continuing impact of textbook affordability on students and it appears that there will be little finality on the horizon for some time. There must continue to be thoughtful and productive discussion on this topic among stakeholders in their efforts to reach a satisfactory resolution.

The value in addressing this issue is to acknowledge the library's position as a stakeholder in the exchange of ideas on textbook affordability.

The purpose of this column is to introduce predictive analytics and its potential for use in the library.

The paper uses a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by theoreticians, researchers and practitioners.

Today, there are numerous commercial data‐analysis software tools that can assist the library in its organizational planning efforts. Most prominently in the basic areas of staffing, budgets, collections, services and facilities, predictive analytics can be used to help develop an overall plan of financial and programmatic development for the library.

The value in addressing this issue is to suggest that libraries might consider use of data‐analysis software to support their budget and planning processes.