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The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast four academic liaison programs.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to compare and contrast four academic liaison programs.
Design/methodology/approach
Areas addressed include liaison subject specialization, communication methods, duties, and program evaluation.
Findings
This paper found similarities in areas of orientation meetings, library guides, and information literacy classes. Unique concepts among the four libraries studied include physical classroom embedment, use of specialized class web pages, faculty literacy classes, and concentrated faculty information literacy assistance.
Originality/value
The results presented provide insight into current academic library liaison practices and the faculty‐liaison relationship.
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Keywords
John Rodwell and Linden Fairbairn
Many university libraries are adopting a faculty liaison librarian structure as an integral part of their organization and service delivery model. This paper aims to examine, in a…
Abstract
Purpose
Many university libraries are adopting a faculty liaison librarian structure as an integral part of their organization and service delivery model. This paper aims to examine, in a pragmatic way, the variations in the definition of the role of the faculty liaison librarian, the expectations of those librarians, their library managers and their clients and the impact of environmental factors. The faculty liaison librarian role is not entirely new, evolving from the traditional subject librarian and university special/branch library role. However the emerging role is characterized by a more outward‐looking perspective and complexity, emphasizing stronger involvement and partnership with the faculty and direct engagement in the University's teaching and research programs.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a review of the literature and other sources on the rationale and role of library liaison, the current developments, drivers and expectations are discussed.
Findings
The study finds that dynamic external and internal environments of universities are driving the evolution of library liaison, so the role description is still fluid. However, the breadth and weight of expectations is now such that the effectiveness and sustainability of the role has to be addressed.
Practical implications
While a dynamic, broader and more intensive role for the faculty liaison librarian is emerging, more thinking is needed about the extent of that role and its sustainability. What, for example, are the priorities for the faculty liaison librarian? What traditional activities can, and may, have to be abandoned? These considerations are necessary not only to guide the librarians, but also to help define the attributes and skills required for the position and to determine the institutional support it requires.
Originality/value
This is a contemporary critique of the well‐established, but diverse library service – the faculty liaison librarian structure.
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James Thull and Mary Anne Hansen
The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated definition of academic liaison work and examine methods for developing effective liaison relationships.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated definition of academic liaison work and examine methods for developing effective liaison relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors reviewed and incorporated recently published (1989‐2009) material relating to academic liaison work. In addition to published material the authors conducted a survey of faculty in their liaison areas during the fall 2008 semester in order to access their knowledge and satisfaction with liaison services.
Findings
The paper finds that liaison work is multifaceted and success is based both on administrative support and the individual liaisons efforts.
Originality/value
The originality of this work includes the definition of liaison work and requirements of academic liaisons in today's libraries. The paper is of value to current academic liaisons and librarians just entering the field of academia. The paper incorporates recent research, an author conducted survey and the authors' nearly two decades of combined liaison experience and may serve as an overview of the expectations and potential benefits of academic liaison work.
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The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology for the development of a plan to incorporate information literacy education into interior design programs in higher education.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology for the development of a plan to incorporate information literacy education into interior design programs in higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
After providing background information about the role of the liaison to the interior design department, the process of the project implementation is described in detail. The project demonstrates how students learned to move beyond a mere ability to access information.
Findings
The project demonstrated that in order for students to acquire critical thinking skills, both librarian and faculty must determine what skills the students should master throughout their program. Students' work showed that information literacy produces better results when it is applied in stages and with objects that build on previous skills.
Originality/value
The research fills a gap in the published literature, which offers limited resources on how information literacy is taught, used and assessed in the interior design discipline.
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Tammy S. Sugarman and Constance Demetracopoulos
This article discusses the efforts of two liaison librarians at William Russell Pullen Library, Georgia State University, to build a long‐term, sustainable partnership among…
Abstract
This article discusses the efforts of two liaison librarians at William Russell Pullen Library, Georgia State University, to build a long‐term, sustainable partnership among teaching faculty, graduate students, and librarians in the development and maintenance of a Web‐based research guide for world history. The projects’ goals are: to provide access to the resources available at Pullen Library; to serve as a gateway to resources available on the Internet; and to showcase student contributions, including bibliographies and annotations of Web sites. The project is an organic endeavor, with the Web site’s organization open to periodic review and modification. Continuous discussions and mutual criticisms have marked the progress of the project. The authors see the success of this venture as a way to collaborate with more faculty, and increase the level of student participation on an ongoing basis.
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Ramirose Ilene Attebury and Joshua Finnell
The purpose of this paper is to analyze job advertisements in United States academic libraries in order to determine the prevalence of jobs that contain a liaison component. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze job advertisements in United States academic libraries in order to determine the prevalence of jobs that contain a liaison component. It also aims to report on a survey of current library science graduate students to assess their level of understanding of what liaison work entails and what type of preparation they have had for such work in their LIS program.
Design/methodology/approach
The study includes an analysis of 313 academic library job advertisements. It also uses a 12 question survey, which was distributed to 52 library school listservs throughout the USA. The survey announcements resulted in 516 responses from library school students nationwide.
Findings
Of the jobs surveyed more than a quarter specifically mentioned liaison activities. The survey showed that few respondents have been exposed to a discussion of liaison work in their classrooms. Those who have demonstrated greater awareness of what constitutes liaison work demonstrate greater self‐confidence in their ability to become successful liaisons.
Research limitations/implications
The anonymous survey did not require participants to indicate what school they attended, possibly resulting in a geographically biased sample. The survey also did not ask respondents at what point they were in their program, so that some respondents may have been very new to their library school studies and may not have had the opportunity to take many classes at the time of the survey.
Practical implications
This study suggests that library schools should find ways to incorporate a discussion of liaison work into some part of their curriculum, especially for students interested in academic librarianship.
Originality/value
No other studies have analyzed job descriptions in terms of liaison work, nor have any studies surveyed students to determine their knowledge of, and preparation for, this type of work.
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This study aims to explore the nature and extent of collaboration among library and information science (LIS) departments, faculty members and practitioners. It also intends to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the nature and extent of collaboration among library and information science (LIS) departments, faculty members and practitioners. It also intends to identify the challenges and future prospects of collaboration in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Face-to-face and telephonic semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 faculty members (professors, associate professors and assistant professors) from eight LIS departments. A thematic analysis approach was used to answer the research questions.
Findings
A thematic analysis of the participants’ opinions reveals a weak and informal collaboration among LIS stakeholders. However, high level of awareness among faculty members regarding the potential benefits of collaborative activities was observed. Their urge for developing liaison and collaboration with stakeholders is a positive indication that requires visionary leadership and committed efforts to ensure long term success.
Practical implications
The study aspects discussed may provide guidelines for creating future planning and growth of professional collaboration in Pakistan. The scope of this study may be extended to groom national, regional and international collaborative activities in other countries with same conditions. Though this study is conducted in Pakistan, the findings may be extended to other parts of developing countries with similar context.
Originality/value
It will serve as a guideline for further research, as it has addressed an untouched area and reports original research.
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Keywords
Suzanne Bell, Nancy Fried Foster and Susan Gibbons
The purpose of this paper is to review the purpose, methods, and selected results of a study of faculty work practices, especially as they bear on the creation, location, and use…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the purpose, methods, and selected results of a study of faculty work practices, especially as they bear on the creation, location, and use of grey literature and the design and use of institutional repositories.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a work‐practice study of faculty members and researchers at the University of Rochester. The methodology used videotaped interviews to record and analyze how participants accomplish such tasks as using web‐based research and writing tools, organizing books and papers, and staying current.
Findings
Reviews six key research findings related to the understandings and attitudes faculty members hold regarding institutional repositories and the role of librarians in developing institutional repository collections. Explains why librarians have found it difficult to attract faculty participation from the perspective of user needs and work practices.
Research limitations/implications
The study is based on field research with a small number of participants in six departments across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Access to faculty participants was limited.
Practical implications
Recommends new strategies for institutional repository design, recruitment of content, and outreach by librarians based on the six key research findings. Proposes an expanded role for librarians as liaisons to faculty who wish to share their work using the library's repository system.
Originality/value
The paper presents original research that addresses a current problem in the area of institutional repositories: why faculty members have not taken full advantage of new technologies that help them share their work. It lists the practical steps that librarians can take to improve faculty participation in repository projects and to increase access to grey literature for all scholars.
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Anthony McMullen and Barry Gray
This paper aims to report on a successful implementation of a current awareness service designed to inform teaching faculty and liaison librarians as to the status of library…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to report on a successful implementation of a current awareness service designed to inform teaching faculty and liaison librarians as to the status of library materials they have ordered.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper looks at the methods employed by the authors, which simplify maintenance of lists of new titles by providing a single, consistent access point to new resources. The dynamic pages are compiled by using the OPAC as a platform: connecting with a Z39.50 protocol, passing keywords and phrases along via the URL query string, parsing the data with PHP, and rendering the data on the web with a combination of PHP and JavaScript.
Findings
The OPAC‐as‐platform method of rendering the departmental acquisitions pages has solved every problem that had existed up to this point. With very minor changes to cataloguing workflow, the technical services department now has a low‐maintenance system in place for notifying teaching faculty and liaison librarians of new arrivals.
Originality/value
The project demonstrates cooperation between public services, systems, IT, and technical services to enhance library services to users. It also demonstrates the value of and potential for cataloguing as a means to deliver innovative services.
Details
Keywords
Most libraries in higher education are facing the challenge of providing valued and improved services with the same or fewer resources. Focussing on the library learning service…
Abstract
Purpose
Most libraries in higher education are facing the challenge of providing valued and improved services with the same or fewer resources. Focussing on the library learning service at one university, the purpose of this paper is to consider how libraries can find new service models with contracting resources while aligning with institutional and professional values and providing value-in-use for end users and key stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a discussion of sustainability as relevant to library services, the paper presents a case study of one library’s approach to sustaining its library learning service.
Findings
The sustainability of library services is aided by developing a service blueprint that provides direction and structure yet is dynamic and responsive. To be successful the approach should be grounded in resource realities, encourage scalability where possible and address the values and needs of key stakeholders.
Originality/value
The paper presents a workable, integrated approach to managing a library learning service so that it delivers value and is sustainable.
Details