The rise of digital is nothing new. Even pre-pandemic, online learning and e-content were rapidly growing in popularity and use in higher education. Students wanted more flexibility, accessibility, and content options—and digital delivered. But how has this call for digital impacted the greater academic librarianship ecosystem? What strategies have publishers, librarians, and vendors adopted to meet this demand? Further, how did COVID-19 accelerate the push toward digital products and services?

In this second episode, our guests examine the rise of digital and its effects on librarianship, vendor relationships, and publishing practices. In particular, Tracy Holtman, Associate Director of Access & Collection Services at Tarleton State University, and Susanna Smith, Acquisitions Librarian at Georgia Highlands College, highlight how library skills have changed to accommodate shifting needs. Further, they discuss engagement metrics that go beyond foot traffic—webpage usage, database searches, digital circulation, and more. In addition, Paige Clunie, Digital Partnerships Manager at Princeton University Press, chats about how Princeton has worked to modernize its partner strategies for digital content. Last, Steven Rosato, General Manager at OverDrive Academic, shares the trends he’s witnessed at OverDrive, including his thoughts on audio’s growth and the longevity of remote learning.