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There has been a great deal of emphasis on the concept of “Legendary” customer service in the private sector these days. This concept has been reaching into more public sector organizations in recent years. Loosely defined as the pinnacle of outstanding service presently demonstrated by only a handful of recognized companies, when one examines many of the attributes of this model of service, many libraries have already adopted their own versions of it. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the environment in which librarians are providing the “Legendary” customer service model as emphasized in the private sector as a best practice, thus validating the profession's continued relevance.

The approach takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that is now being addressed by colleagues.

With the increase in patron expectations fulfilled by librarians daily, the “Legendary” service model becomes even more important to validate the example of quality customer service, so that the debate regarding the relevance of the profession is silenced once and for all.

The value in addressing this issue is to recognize that the new model of customer service is already embedded into the work of today's librarians.

The purpose of this column is to provide a snapshot of the environment in which, in a down economy, libraries bearing the brunt of an outcry to limit or eliminate service for reasons of economic expediency, must continue to voice the impact they have on education and the community to their legislators and funding sources and seek solutions to ensure future viability.

The article takes the form of a literature review and commentary on a topic that has been addressed by colleague institutions.

If one solution to serve education and the community lies is the creation of more joint‐use library facilities, then such creativity in seeking out this and other inventive and resourceful solutions must be viewed seriously in an effort to ensure quality library service into the future.

The value in addressing this issue is to suggest the need for creative planning to ensure the future viability of libraries.

The purpose of this column is to examine the importance of libraries continuing to provide and enhance information literacy instruction to students in a challenging teaching and learning environment.

The approach takes the format of a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by colleague institutions.

The need for the continued development and implementation of information literacy instruction in the library must continue to evolve as a collaborative effort between librarians and faculty to ensure higher levels of student success in library use and research acuity.

The value in addressing this issue is to examine the necessity of the professional librarians collaborating with faculty in delivering relevant information literacy instruction in an academic library.

The purpose of this column is to examine the use of quick response (QR) codes in libraries and the variety of uses suggest specific uses of this motivating technology for libraries to enhance their own offerings to users with greater potential and possibilities.

The paper takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by colleague institutions.

QR codes are being used in libraries in numerous and creative ways.

The value in addressing this issue is to examine the methods by which libraries are using these codes to address information enhancements regarding available services.

The purpose of this paper is to profile the academic “Learning Commons,” a model of library service adopted by numerous institutions of higher education to attract students seeking a “one‐stop” library experience.

The paper takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that is now being addressed by cost‐conscious colleagues.

Many academic libraries have adopted the “Learning Commons” model in order to adapt to the new reality of library usage in the present environment.

The value in addressing this issue is to expand the discussion of this evolution of academic library service to offer possibilities for other academic libraries' consideration.

The purpose of this column is to discuss the importance of continuing professional education for working librarians whose skills and knowledge need to be kept up to date in order to best serve the public.

The approach takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic.

Continuing professional education and training for librarians is essential to enhance the skills and knowledge of those so engaged.

The value in addressing the issue is to proffer suggestions to libraries of the benefits of providing funding, even during an economic downturn, and of providing opportunities for librarians to expand their knowledge and increase their engagement in the workplace as a result of continuing professional education.

The purpose of this column is to examine the transition of print newspapers to the digital environment and the recognition that the library continues in its tradition of providing access to local newspapers.

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

The library must remain a trusted resource regarding access to local newspapers, a critical factor defining its place in the community. As newspapers increasingly transition to the digital environment, in any discussion of availability of the local newspaper to its patrons, the library must continue to play its central role as the principal access point for local news and information.

The value in addressing this issue is to recognize that libraries persist in providing local newspaper services to their patrons during the evolution of formats.

The purpose of this column is to discuss the importance of faculty/librarian collaboration in establishing a base of reference support to serve as an underpinning for each course across the college curriculum.

Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by colleagues.

It is imperative that librarians collaborate with and support the faculty on a college campus to reinforce overall academic success.

The value in addressing this issue is to discuss the importance of the librarian/faculty collaboration in a college and suggest the value to the students in such collaboration.

The purpose of this column is to review an assortment of the latest non‐traditional materials lent by libraries.

The paper surveys a selection of items, both technological and traditional, used by libraries in an effort to expand their horizons with a keen eye towards responding to the needs and expectations of their borrowers.

The paper finds that libraries are eager to enhance an ever‐expanding universe of items to support the borrowing of non‐traditional materials. Once entered into the circulation system, the sky's the limit. The only limitation is the library's budget and creativity in selecting which items to purchase and circulate.

The paper provides useful information on the latest non‐traditional materials lent by libraries.