Identifying Novel Library Liaison Roles in Academic Health and Life Sciences

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  • February 22, 2019
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  • Vaughan, K. T.
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Health Sciences Library
  • Hayes, Barrie E.
  • McElfresh, Karen R.
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Health Sciences Library
  • Janes, Hunter H.
    • Affiliation: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Health Sciences Library
Abstract
  • Objective: To identify services offered by library liaisons serving academic health and life science schools and programs. Establishing an understanding of available services can inform the development of current and emerging liaison roles. Methods: Nine health sciences librarians and three life sciences librarians individually created lists of services which they currently provide in their liaison work, and those they would provide given additional resources and/or demonstrated constituent interest. The resulting lists were collected and service activities were grouped into conceptual clusters such as reference, outreach, and teaching activities. The responses were then analyzed for overlap among current and potential services. Results: An impressive quantity and variety of services were provided by liaisons, spanning more than 75 services in 18 categories. In addition, liaisons suggested the adoption of a large quantity and variety of potential services. Many of the services listed go beyond the librarian as simply a service provider, instead casting the liaison in the role of research or teaching partner and faculty peer. Implications: These results support the reimagining of the librarian’s role in academic health and life sciences environments. The next step will be to identify new roles of highest potential use to constituents in the health and life sciences. This process has already begun and data collection is ongoing.
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  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Genome Sciences Building Opening Symposium and Celebration (2012: Chapel Hill, NC)
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