66 · Survey Results: Survey Questions and Responses
Liaisons are expected to provide support for data management, use of the library’s high-tech spaces, and visualization.
They develop and promote our digital collections resources to facilitate new modes of research and support
sophisticated research using the library’s spaces, including large-scale visualization labs, and technologies. Connect
clients with potential collaborators, both in the Libraries and throughout the university.
Liaisons serve on our Scholarly Communications Committee. Liaison members of this committee train other liaisons in
issues related to the IR, scholarly communications, and data management.
Liaisons will be trained to assist faculty with the new open access university policy that goes into effect September 1,
2015. Assistance with data deposits is in the future.
Major change was that role was expanded to include core competency development in scholarly communication,
digital tools, and data research services, including development of data management plans. Another change is using
“functional specialists” to consult with liaisons on various projects (e.g., assessment or data services librarians who are
also liaisons).
Merged Collection Development department with Research &Instruction department, and now called Collections,
Research &Instruction department. Development of core competencies document. Development of liaison librarian best
practices document is in progress.
More emphasis on research consultation with students and faculty. Collaboration with other units in library for digital
scholarship services and data management. More emphasis on integrating library instruction efforts to curriculum.
More team approaches, expectation to be able to advise researchers about topics such as data management (advice is
not the same as performing data management functions: in most cases, our goal is to identify referrals).
One recent change, based on customer input, we changed our name from “Subject Liaison” to “Subject Librarian.”
Added “keeping abreast of new technology.” Added “cultivating interdisciplinary knowledge.” Added more assessment.
Over the past couple of years, scholarly communication, research data management, and research impact have been
incorporated into the liaison librarian role. With this, there has also been a significant amount of staff development and
training to support folks in taking on these new roles. While not every liaison takes on these roles to the same degree,
each is developing their expertise to be able to offer these new services as requested.
Reference desk duties, embedded librarianship
Research data management and scholarly communication are new areas of responsibility when communicating with
faculty, researchers, and students.
Simple review of existing services, for example, we now offer data management services, which is new since our liaison
program framework was written.
Subject specialists have given up review of approval books in order to have more time for liaison and teaching.
The addition of new functional specialists (e.g., Instruction Design Librarian and Social Science Data Librarian) has
expanded our liaison offerings to include new services.
The major shift was with the 2012–13 report and paradigm adoption. Evolution and refinement of the paradigm
is continuing.
The mission of the library focuses on providing individualized service. Liaisons are referred to as Personal Librarians to
reflect this emphasis.
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