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This article identifies and defines some of the more commonly used terms and phrases which have been used to describe the evolving online/electronic/virtual/digital library phenomenon. Includes examination of findings from the authors’ examination of selected keywords increasingly found in the literature of both library and information science as well as in the literature of computer science, within the context of a (1970‐1997) bibliographic search for these terms in library literature, INSPEC, and EI COMPENDEX.

Library services have been tremendously influenced by rapid technological innovations over the years particularly in the area of reference and information services. The adoption of CD‐ROM technology has revolutionised the retrieval and delivery mechanism of information.

In response to observed changes in the evolving needs of our community, and a call for proactive, strategic planning from campus administration, library and key learning commons partners gathered for a retreat in June 2023 to focus on rightsizing to answer six key questions: What is the right mix of collections to support the teaching, research and learning goals of the Seattle University community? What is the right variety of spaces to support the teaching, research and learning goals of the Seattle University community? What are the right mix of on ground and virtual services to support the teaching, research and learning goals of the Seattle University community? What technologies are needed to support the teaching, research and learning goals of the Seattle University community? What is the right staffing (model, levels+) to support the teaching, research and learning goals of the Seattle University community? What type of library and learning commons do we want to be in five years?

The article discusses and provides review of literature on concepts like rightsizing and appreciative inquiry/ strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results (SOAR) analysis. It will describe how note-taking, and qualitative analysis of feedback gathered during an in-person exercise can be used to identify actionable goals and activities as a follow-up to an in-person retreat.

To focus this conversation, an appreciative inquiry approach using a SOAR analysis was used, instead of a traditional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis, to utilize a constructivist approach to future thinking. This case study will explore rightsizing as it pertains to academic libraries, and the use of SOAR as a framework for capturing feedback and discussion.

As the article is a case study, it represents feedback collected specifically from one university library and learning commons. However, the questions asked, and the consolidated feedback are broad enough to be applicable to similar library systems.

The authors aim to demonstrate how appreciative inquiry and strength-based discussions using SOAR can lead to meaningful future-thinking conversations that might otherwise feel threatening. As rightsizing is often connected to downsizing, or conversations about reductions, using techniques like SWOT analysis which focus on weaknesses and threats can lead to anxiety and fear for participants. It can limit conversation, when members of a focus group or retreat feel unwilling to participate. By using constructivist approaches, it invites introspection and participation in a positive way, and focuses on forward thinking – and not just thinking of the present.

Rightsizing discussions are not particularly new or unique to libraries but are most seen in articles discussing collections. The scope of this project was to assess not only collections, but services, technology, staffing and spaces – in addition to our collections. Similarly, SOAR analyses are not the most common form of strategic analysis, and an appreciative inquiry approach to a rightsizing conversation in academic libraries is a relatively timely and new topic.

Kimbel Library used a peer reference model of service beginning in 2009 that was successful for several years but eventually phased out due to shifting priorities and needs. This article aims to describe Kimbel Library's second attempt at creating and using a peer reference program in 2018, how it was different from the original approach, and what ultimately happened.

In this article Reference Services Review Co-editor Sarah Barbara Watstein interviews Allison Faix, Instruction Coordinator and Librarian at Coastal Carolina University, about her experiences with peer reference services.

Because of the marked decline in the number of research-based questions asked at the library's help desk, the library found itself with smart, well-trained peer research assistants who were disappointed that their research assistance was not in greater demand.

This interview looks at two different ways that peer reference was implemented at the same institution starting in 2009.

Librarians have an opportunity to contribute to the evolution of scholarly communication. By serving on advisory boards, especially those of publishers that are revamping their products for an online environment, librarians can both accelerate the development of good digital information resources and foster greater diversity in the marketplace. The New England Journal of Medicine's newly established library advisory board is a case in point. Aims to give an overview of the situation.

A total of nine librarians agreed to serve as members of the library advisory board – designed to build relationships with the academic and hospital library community.

As a profession, librarians value learning and the lifelong augmentation of knowledge and skills. Stretching oneself by serving on the advisory board of a publisher is entirely consistent with that value, affording a rewarding opportunity to understand better the complicated world of scholarly communication and the role of publishers in that cycle.

By stretching their current skill set, librarians serving on this board have gained a better understanding of the exigencies of the publishing world and have been able to influence the development of critical policies, pricing, and processes in ways that benefit both the publisher and the library community.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.

The paper identifies and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material, in the area of library instruction and information literacy.

The paper provides information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.

The information in the paper may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.