From flying solo to playing as a team: Evolution of academic library services teams at the University of South Australia

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain why and how the University of South Australia Library changed its academic outreach model. It discusses the transition from the role of specialist liaison librarian to a team approach to provide support for teaching, learning and research.

Design/methodology/approach

Examines the strategies used to build collaborative relationships with the university community and observes how these relationships have influenced the development of the role of the academic library services teams.

Findings

Concludes that university libraries need to adapt to pedagogic transformations and changes in scholarly communication. Regular and frequent reviews of staffing requirements and the roles of professional librarians are necessary to ensure that the library meets the strategic priorities of the University and responds to the constantly evolving information and resource landscape.

Originality/value

Provides strategies for building productive partnerships between the library and the university community and gives examples of collaborative endeavours.

Citation

Doskatsch, I. (2007), "From flying solo to playing as a team: Evolution of academic library services teams at the University of South Australia", Library Management, Vol. 28 No. 8/9, pp. 460-473. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120710837756