Library liaison with non-academic units: a new application for a traditional model
Date
2007
Authors
Dahl, Candice
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Partnership: Provincial and Territorial Library Associations of Canada
ORCID
Type
Article
Refereed Paper
Refereed Paper
Degree Level
Abstract
This paper suggests that traditional models of liaison librarianship, which focus
on liaison with academic units such as teaching departments and specific
colleges within institutions, should be adapted and then expanded to include nonacademic
units as well. Although the literature demonstrates that understandings
of liaison work have evolved, it still contains almost no examples of how to
extend library liaison beyond traditional academic units in a systematic way. As a
result, existing liaison programs are too narrowly conceived, and the strengths of
the liaison model are not being fully exploited. By adapting the structures in place
to support traditional liaison, such programs can be expanded to include nonacademic
units as well. As a result, libraries gain opportunities for broader
collaboration on campus. Suggestions for identifying targets for formal nonacademic
liaison are provided, as are guidelines for determining suitable liaison
activities and ensuring administrative support within the library.
Description
Keywords
library and information studies, library liaison, liaison program
Citation
Partnership: the Canadian Journal of Library and Information Practice and Research vol. 2, no. 1 (2007)