Connecting Faculty Researchers to Librarians via Departmental Associates

Abstract

Librarians have provided reference and research support for faculty to varying degrees for many years, and librarian support is needed more than ever today with the rapidly evolving nature of library resources and online information. Learning about faculty research needs and determining ways to support their research is an ongoing challenge facing librarians. This article describes a library program that uses academic department administrative personnel to connect with faculty researchers and helps clarify the roles that librarians, faculty, and administrative personnel play in the research process.

KEYWORDS:

• academic libraries
• faculty development
• information literacy
• liaisons
• paraprofessionals
• research process
• research support
• roles