This literature review explores the changing nature of the academic library and the role of the academic librarian within a wider context of societal and higher education change. Ninety-five articles were reviewed and thematic synthesis was used to identify the themes in relation to innovations in learning and teaching in academic libraries. The articles reviewed are skewed towards the positive contribution that the academic library makes to the mission and values of the higher education institution and demonstrates that the academic library is an integral partner in the transformations of higher education. The literature demonstrates that digital transformations have had a significant impact on the nature of learning and have provided new opportunities for academic libraries to transform the way that they engage with learning, teaching and research within universities. In addition, neo-liberalist approaches to management of universities and an increased consumer focus have resulted in new roles and relationships for academic librarians. The literature review has identified innovations in academic libraries in digital learning/e-learning, partnership and co-creation, student experience and the design of spaces for learning that are relevant to current pedagogies.