A case study: the evolution of a “facilitator model” liaison program in an academic medical library

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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