SPEC Kit 349: Evolution of Library Liaisons · 43
Comments N=24
Although we hire liaison librarians without an MLS, the hires are required to obtain the MLS within a 3-year period as
part of our continuing faculty status process.
Depending on the specific liaison responsibility, the qualifications may become more or less important.
For language expertise, it depends on responsibilities, but if language expertise is needed for the position, then it is
very important.
Importance of qualifications is dependent on the type of position being filled.
It depends on the discipline. For instance, if they are the liaison to the French department, they most likely speak French.
It very much depends on the needs/specialties of the department to which the librarian will be serving as a liaison. We
have liaisons without an MLS but with other special qualifications, we have librarians with second master’s and PhDs,
and we have librarians who are liaison because they have good communications skills and are comfortable as a liaison
for a department in which they don’t have an academic specialty.
Language expertise is critical for area studies liaisons.
Language expertise is critical for international and area studies librarians, but not as important for other liaisons.
Language expertise is important for area studies (international studies) and selection in areas where non-English
language materials are important. Participation in professional associations covers groups such as Medical Libraries
Association or SALALM. We do not expect librarians to attend annual meetings such as the American Historical
Association (although some do, on occasion).
Language expertise is important for some disciplines, less so for others.
Language expertise is required for those in area studies, but would not be a requirement of others (although certainly a
plus). Experience is also a plus but we are happy to hire entry-level people who demonstrate excellent communication
skills, ideas about and understanding of liaison work, and indicators of potential success. We expect all librarians to be
involved in professional associations and scholarly research but the expectations depend on the level of the librarian.
Level of importance could vary with position. If the person is the Middle East Studies librarian, for example, then
language knowledge is required.
MLS is preferred, but not required for librarian positions. Librarians are expected to have the ability to engage with
faculty and students, and perform the functions required of the position.
Our library does not require a second master’s degree and few librarians have one, but for those who do it does factor in
to department assignments. The same is true for language expertise. It’s uncommon and unnecessary in most cases, but
we do take advantage of those skills when available in assigning appropriate departmental responsibilities.
Scholarly research/publication and participation in professional associations are expectations of liaisons but not required
pre-appointment qualifications.
Some liaisons are responsible only for collections others have areas which are liaison-only. Number of staff above
excludes one liaison who is a collections librarian only. Some liaisons are curators of special and specialized collections.
Subject expertise, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate are the highest qualifications.
The ability to work with a group of diverse colleagues is important, as is the ability to work independently achieving the
goals of the department.
Comments N=24
Although we hire liaison librarians without an MLS, the hires are required to obtain the MLS within a 3-year period as
part of our continuing faculty status process.
Depending on the specific liaison responsibility, the qualifications may become more or less important.
For language expertise, it depends on responsibilities, but if language expertise is needed for the position, then it is
very important.
Importance of qualifications is dependent on the type of position being filled.
It depends on the discipline. For instance, if they are the liaison to the French department, they most likely speak French.
It very much depends on the needs/specialties of the department to which the librarian will be serving as a liaison. We
have liaisons without an MLS but with other special qualifications, we have librarians with second master’s and PhDs,
and we have librarians who are liaison because they have good communications skills and are comfortable as a liaison
for a department in which they don’t have an academic specialty.
Language expertise is critical for area studies liaisons.
Language expertise is critical for international and area studies librarians, but not as important for other liaisons.
Language expertise is important for area studies (international studies) and selection in areas where non-English
language materials are important. Participation in professional associations covers groups such as Medical Libraries
Association or SALALM. We do not expect librarians to attend annual meetings such as the American Historical
Association (although some do, on occasion).
Language expertise is important for some disciplines, less so for others.
Language expertise is required for those in area studies, but would not be a requirement of others (although certainly a
plus). Experience is also a plus but we are happy to hire entry-level people who demonstrate excellent communication
skills, ideas about and understanding of liaison work, and indicators of potential success. We expect all librarians to be
involved in professional associations and scholarly research but the expectations depend on the level of the librarian.
Level of importance could vary with position. If the person is the Middle East Studies librarian, for example, then
language knowledge is required.
MLS is preferred, but not required for librarian positions. Librarians are expected to have the ability to engage with
faculty and students, and perform the functions required of the position.
Our library does not require a second master’s degree and few librarians have one, but for those who do it does factor in
to department assignments. The same is true for language expertise. It’s uncommon and unnecessary in most cases, but
we do take advantage of those skills when available in assigning appropriate departmental responsibilities.
Scholarly research/publication and participation in professional associations are expectations of liaisons but not required
pre-appointment qualifications.
Some liaisons are responsible only for collections others have areas which are liaison-only. Number of staff above
excludes one liaison who is a collections librarian only. Some liaisons are curators of special and specialized collections.
Subject expertise, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate are the highest qualifications.
The ability to work with a group of diverse colleagues is important, as is the ability to work independently achieving the
goals of the department.
