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The purpose of this column is to discuss the importance of recognition for libraries and librarians as the providers of a “fundamental” service in society.

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

It is imperative that there is recognition that the library fulfills the need that a community is not considered whole unless a library is in place.

The value in addressing this issue is to recognize the importance of the library as an institution serving one of the fundamental needs of a society.

The purpose of this column is to examine the issues between library space and the pursuit of serendipitous browsing.

The approach is via a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by colleague institutions.

While library space is at a premium on every college and university campus, even in light of access to digital material, a considerable portion of the collection still must be available in print, thus necessitating traditional shelf space, so that searching the physical collection and browsing can occur. Balancing the two issues is a challenge to each and every institution in its forward planning cycle.

The value in addressing this issue is to examine the issues of insufficient shelf space versus browsing the collection.

The purpose of this column is to provide several discussion themes on which to muse regarding the strategy of library marketing in today’s technology-rich environment.

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

Moving between the traditional model of library marketing to the cutting-edge model is occurring through the numerous digital communication tools used everyday. Not only must the library rely on these modes of marketing they must also recognize that their patrons share that space with them and the many contacts each one of those patrons has as well, thus potentially expanding the library audience and therefore positively expanding its user base.

The value in addressing this issue is to examine approaches to marketing library services in an effort to present the reader with several discussion points on the topic.

The purpose of this column is to examine the current environment of 3D printing and its suitability for use in the library.

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

The library is more than its collection. As 3D printing joins the technology selections available in the library, it offers patrons the opportunity to create and further develop their skills, in order to explore and potentially innovate, in a welcoming environment of intellectual stimulation and experimentation.

The value in addressing this issue is to present the basic details around this new technology and suggest that it has value for its inclusion into the current array of library services.

The purpose of this column is to present a single snapshot of the modern library. Even though much of the building itself has evolved into a collaborative learning space and a highly visible social environment, the traditional notion of at least a portion of the building as quiet study space must remain in place to support its place, for many, as an enduring exemplar of solitude. For those who are engaged in independent study and quiet contemplation, it is essential that the quiet study spaces in libraries endure.

The article takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by writers and researchers.

Data indicate that, even though technology is a paramount request by patrons using libraries, many require a quiet place to study as an integral part of their library experience.

The value in addressing this issue is to consider the substantiation suggesting that even though libraries have and continue to transform to meet the varied technological and other needs of the patron, those needs should include providing quiet study space for them as well.

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that librarians and libraries must demonstrate rationalization of, and innovation in, the library, with the goal of ensuring a sustainable future for both the profession and the institution.

In this paper, literature review and commentary on this topic have been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Myth-shattering remains as critical for the library’s survival as is a forward-facing posture. If the public, the funders, grantors, legislators and other government entities can recognize the continuing need filled by the library, not only as a welcoming and respected center of a community, but as a knowledge hub brimming with research to support innovation, the rationalization regarding its continuance will be unnecessary.

The value in addressing this issue is to highlight the libraries must be viewed not only as a symbol of stability in the community but also as innovators.

When reports that better clothing stores and hotels in the USA found themselves in the embarrassing position of acknowledging that they had indeed been infested with bedbugs, other organizations and institutions, including some libraries, have been on the alert ever since for similar evidence of such infestations. The purpose of this column is to discuss the recent reports of the re‐appearance of bedbugs and the impact they have had on some libraries.

The paper's approach is a literature review and commentary on this topic.

From the library perspective, any sign of bedbugs must be attended to immediately so that the infestation does not spread further. There are two proven and effective measures that can be undertaken by a library to address this issue – exposing the books to extreme heat or extreme cold – but placing the staff at risk should always be a consideration when attempting a self‐eradication in a library as well. Therefore, engaging a professional exterminator at the first visible sign of bedbug infestation should always be seen as a potential solution.

The value in addressing this issue is to create an awareness that the re‐appearance of bedbugs in some libraries is very real as indicated by the reporting of this issue in the media.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the convergence of the academic library and the information technology departments regarding whether this is, as has been suggested, “an arranged marriage” or a synchronous melding of two related services, and to establish an awareness of the various models resulting from this concept.

The approach takes the form of a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by colleagues.

Findings suggest that there are several models of service that have been developed out of this concept resulting in varying levels of acceptance and success.

The value in addressing this issue is to create an awareness of the issue of convergence of the academic library with the IT entity on a college campus.

The project management methodology can provide a library with a tool it can use to deliver a project using an effective and efficient technique so that the blueprint for success can be developed, followed and realized using a dependable and trusted technique. The purpose of this column is to discuss the project management methodology and its relevance in the current economic climate wherein libraries must approach every project with planning, caution, risk assessment, change management techniques and an overall plan to ensure, at least as much as possible, a project's success.

The paper presents a literature review and commentary on this topic that is now being considered by colleagues.

While in many instances, libraries have been cautious in pursuing project management as a planning and workflow tool, it is becoming increasingly evident that a proven methodology such as this could greatly benefit projects that are usually expected to adhere to the demands of a severe time, cost‐sensitive and resource‐limited environment.

The value of this paper is in suggesting that this method or project management can greatly benefit the library in its efforts at planning and executing the well‐organized project.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the rationale and purpose by which librarians have been assigned to a “computer commons” outside the traditional library building on a large campus of a community college.

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

Usage of the library building is increasing and therefore a reasonable response needed to be developed.

The value in addressing this issue is to encourage discussion on other community college campuses.