PurposeThis paper aims to identify topics that are being addressed in the institutional repository (IR) literature, and to determine what the role of the librarian will be in IR projects.Design/methodology/approachA thorough search was conducted to identify literature that has been published about IRs. A conceptual content analysis was conducted on the literature using eight category coding steps and a multicoder process including a review of intercoder agreement.FindingsThe analysis of the 30 articles revealed that concepts found in the IR literature can be grouped into five major themes – definition, implementation, management, outcomes, and librarian's role. The analysis also indicated that there is only a limited discussion of the librarian's role particularly with regard to the relationship with self‐archiving authors, which is a key characteristic of IRs.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper identifies areas in the literature that have not been addressed and suggests areas for future research. Its limitations are that: the cut‐off date for literature was October 30, 2004; the literature review was comprehensive but not exhaustive; nine articles had a single coder but were included because of high levels of coder agreement; and coding was on general concepts at the most elemental level.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies six roles that are the responsibilities of librarians in the IR environment: understanding software, project planning and management, collection definition, metadata guidance, submission review, and author training.Originality/valueThis paper makes an original contribution by identifying what is missing in the literature and by offering recommendations about the role of librarians in the IR environment.

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Using interactive and mobile technologies enhances literacy instruction and outreach services. In the classroom, polling applications and clickers provide real-time assessment, inform future instruction, and encourage students to participate. Outside the classroom, we are creating instructional videos and media on topics such as search techniques, navigating the library, and publishing Web sites. These materials can be accessed via the library Web site, streamed onto handheld devices, added to course sites, and embedded throughout the library's physical site using quick response codes. These innovative methodologies help us reach students in a multitude of ways and broaden students' means and methods of access.

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PurposeEffectively accessing government documents is often a challenge for frontline reference staff working in a merged public service environment. The purpose of this paper is to build a case for establishing sustainable information literacy that incorporates government publications information into research and reference services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the reasons for, and challenges of, incorporating government documents training for reference staff, and suggests suitable strategies and techniques.FindingsKeeping up with knowledge in related fields other than a chosen specialty is a challenge facing librarians today, but knowing how to find print and online government resources is critical for reference desk staff to help meet the information needs of the public. A variety of techniques and strategies may be employed to help mine these important resources. Web 2.0 tools and internet‐based tutorials on government publications may be used to facilitate training.Practical implicationsStaff are encouraged to develop collaborative training relationships to motivate, teach, facilitate, and equip others for self‐sufficiency and competency.Originality/valueThe paper shows how reference staff knowledge of government publications can be enhanced through training with both traditional and new technologies. Training can be accomplished through self‐motivation and partnering and need not be always formal.