Dangerous liaisons? Defining the Faculty Liaison Librarian service model, its effectiveness and sustainability.

Abstract

Many university libraries are adopting a Faculty Liaison Librarian structure as an integral part of their organization and service delivery model. This paper examines, 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 characterised 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.