Sailing Together at the University of Miami: How New Campus Partnerships Are Leading to the Transformation of Librarian Roles in Learning and Research

Since 2014, the University of Miami Libraries (UML) has formed a series of strategic relationships with campus partners to advance the University’s priorities for teaching, learning, and research. Engagement with Undergraduate and Graduate Education, College of Arts and Sciences, and Academic Technologies has led to the development of new and expanded programs and services to support student learning. These programs include a Learning Commons in Richter Library that co-locates and coordinates key academic services for students, a Library Research Scholars program that offers librarian-mentorship experiences for undergraduates working on projects of their own design, and a peer-to-peer research consultation service that replaces the traditional reference desk model. To increase support for faculty, UML has also formed a partnership with the University’s Office of Research; consequently, librarians are now participating on interdisciplinary research teams funded to address grand research challenges. To design, plan, and implement such experimental programs, librarians have made use of participatory-planning and community-building strategies, redefined their job roles and responsibilities, and sought out professional development opportunities to increase their skills. In the process, librarians are expanding their focus on collaboration, mentorship, and program development. The impact of new partnerships includes greater visibility of librarians on campus, increased student use of library spaces and emerging services, and deepening integration with the University’s strategic priorities.