Evaluation of a liaison librarian program: client and liaison perspectives

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Academic Libraries

Background:

• The Liaison Librarian Program aims to integrate library services into academic departments.
• Evaluating program effectiveness is crucial for resource allocation and service improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a survey-based evaluation of the five-year-old Liaison Librarian Program at the University of Florida.
• To assess client and liaison perspectives on program awareness, usage, relations, and workload.

Main Methods:

• Web-based surveys were administered to liaison librarians, faculty, students, staff, residents, and post-doctoral associates.
• Surveys gathered data on awareness, usage, client-library communication, program support, and liaison workload.

Main Results:

• 43% of respondents were aware of liaison services; 72% had interacted with their liaison.
• 95% of faculty and students who interacted with liaisons supported program continuation.
• Liaisons reported increased client communication, enhanced library reputation, and increased workload.

Conclusions:

• The Liaison Librarian Program serves a core group of clients who highly value the services.
• Recommendations focus on managing liaison workload, enhancing training, improving marketing, and strengthening administrative support.