The role of liaison to the academic departments, programs and research centers represents a primary channel of communication between the Library and the constituencies we support: the faculty, undergraduate, graduate student, research associate and academic administrative assistant populations. Through contact and collaboration with the academic departments, the librarian liaisons support teaching and learning at Dartmouth through the highly valued aspects of the Dartmouth culture: personal interaction and personal assistance.

The liaison is responsible for insuring faculty are aware of the range of our collections and services programs and our capabilities and resources to support research, teaching and learning. Through their outreach work, the liaisons gain a better understanding of research and teaching activities at Dartmouth, and how the Library can more effectively support the work of faculty and students.

The Library relies on the liaisons as the main communication pathway to the faculty. Important factors for success in this role include visibility and accessibility to the faculty, both within and outside library walls, and a willingness to take the initiative in contacting and working with faculty.

Following are key activities and responsibilities for the liaison. These activities take into consideration liaisons’ different methods to achieve these responsibilities while remaining sensitive to their departments’ individual needs.

Communication

Arranges a personal meeting/introduction with all faculty for whom the librarian is responsible. Communicates with new faculty soon after their arrival on campus. Provides the opportunity to discuss any unmet collection and services needs, bringing issues back to Library colleagues for discussion if necessary. Assists faculty with accessing Library resources or other troubleshooting activities. Develops a clear understanding of the faculty’s areas of research and teaching.

Establishes an effective working relationship with the Administrative Assistants in their departments in order to support them in their work with the faculty and students, to benefit from their perspective, and to further the integration of the liaison into the life of the department.

Maintains awareness of the academic life of the department in order to provide timely, relevant support to students and faculty. Examples of such events include being aware of any changes within the department, new faculty or new courses, and important calendar dates such as the point at which undergraduates declare a major, the sophomore summer and departmental senior honors thesis requirements and, in departments with graduate programs, seminar talks required of second-year students, or a third-year research proposal deadline.

Keeps faculty up to date by email or other means in regard to new databases, resources, services, and other changes in the library that may affect their work. These informational updates could include tips for searching key resources in their discipline, reminding them of ongoing services like Library News or Borrow Direct, Recent Acquisitions, etc.

Attends department meetings as appropriate to provide updates and to seek faculty input on library issues of particular interest or concern.

Offers departmental orientations to new graduate students and research associates in their areas of interest. Provides personalized support to these groups, as well as workshops and other educational opportunities as appropriate.

Education

Offers educational opportunities to department faculty, students, and staff to support their ability to be aware of and to use information resources. This might include workshops on key resource[s] or tools, or new digital library developments, for example.

Offers educational sessions to the faculty for their classes.

Promotes Library sponsored faculty workshops. Identifies needs in this area and brings them to the Library’s Education & Outreach Program for development.

Communicates the education outreach efforts and workshops provided by the liaison to the Education & Outreach Program in order to maintain a Library and College wide awareness of the Library’s ongoing education program.

Other

Maintains a visible presence in the academic community by attending departmental seminars, visiting scholar talks, colloquia, and other public functions.

Remains alert to interdisciplinary needs and impacts: connects clientele to other resources outside their immediate discipline; brings issues back to the Library Interdisciplinary Council.

Approved by Public Services Management Group (PSMG) May, 2004