Tradition + Evolution: Providing Scaffolding for Librarians in a Time of Change

Changing technology, evolving research methods and requirements, shifting expectations in teaching and learning, and the ongoing transformation of the scholarly communication landscape have all given libraries more opportunities than ever to participate in the full research life cycle, including areas previously considered outside their scope.

As a result, libraries have been seeking ways to evolve the liaison role and its influences on collections, services, and the identity of both libraries and librarians. Some changes have been more fluid while others have been more prescriptive. Some roles have shifted in direct response to a specific need, for example, supporting research data management and funding compliance. In other cases, anticipated needs such as lab-integrated support and grant collaboration are driving the shift. In all cases, libraries are grappling with how best to position their liaisons for success.

In this interactive Lively Lunch session, facilitators Mira Waller, Hilary Davis, and Scott Warren provided a brief overview of what is happening in their libraries and posed questions to guide a focused discussion around the changing roles and duties of liaison librarianship. Participants shared lessons learned while gleaning best practices regarding the ways in which changing roles and new paths have simultaneously opened opportunities and posed sticky challenges.