Iowa Framework for Liaisons/Subject Librarians

Abstract

EXCO has approved the attached framework as a guide and toolkit for librarians who serve as liaisons to academic departments, colleges and programs to take effect for the 2010 evaluation year. Liaisons, whether for collection management, reference/instruction or both, and those who supervise them (chiefly Linda Walton, Kathy Magarrell and Ed Shreeves) should use the framework as a guide in identifying priorities and specifying activities for 2010 workplans. We should emphasize that we do not expect each liaison to show accomplishments annually in each of the more than 30 items listed in this framework. You and your supervisor as always should agree on priorities based on both your individual and departmental goals and the strategic goals of the library as a whole, while keeping in mind that this document articulates a range of activities seen as appropriate to a liaison.We also recognize that liaison responsibilities for some subjects are divided between two and occasionally more people. In an ideal world we would like to see the duties combined in one person and hope to move in that direction as much as possible, but our current organization and staffing levels make this impossible at present. It is therefore important for those sharing liaison duties to communicate with one another to ensure that all aspects of the job are covered. Some, such as the tasks enumerated under scholarly communication, might be shared, while in other cases the responsibility could fall entirely to one person. Effective communication is therefore vital.This document also articulates for the first time some new expectations for liaisons, particularly in the section on scholarly communication. During this season's annual review and revision of job descriptions, liaisons should revise their own job descriptions with the expectations outlined in this document in mind. The framework is not intended for use during the evaluation process for 2008-2009.