A case study: the evolution of a ??facilitator model?? liaison program in an academic medical library |
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| Authors: | Jon E Crossno Claudia H DeShay Mary Ann Huslig Helen G Mayo Emily F Patridge |
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| Institution: | Collection Development Librarian ;Education Librarian ;Manager, Liaison, Marketing, and Outreach ;Reference and Liaison Librarian; Library, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9049 ;Medical Librarian, Cabarrus Health Sciences Library, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast, 401 Medical Park Drive, Concord, NC 28025 |
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| Abstract: | Question:What type of liaison program would best utilize both librarians and other library staff to effectively promote library services and resources to campus departments?Setting:The case is an academic medical center library serving a large, diverse campus.Methods:The library implemented a “facilitator model” program to provide personalized service to targeted clients that allowed for maximum staff participation with limited subject familiarity. To determine success, details of liaison-contact interactions and results of liaison and department surveys were reviewed.Results:Liaisons successfully recorded 595 interactions during the program''s first 10 months of existence. A significant majority of departmental contact persons (82.5%) indicated they were aware of the liaison program, and 75% indicated they preferred email communication.Conclusion:The “facilitator model” provides a well-defined structure for assigning liaisons to departments or groups; however, training is essential to ensure that liaisons are able to communicate effectively with their clients. |
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