Reconceptualizing Liaisons: A Model for Assessing and Developing Liaison Competencies to Guide Professional Development

Abstract

In an effort to reconceptualize its liaison program, the FSU Libraries initiated a three-phase, grassroots effort to develop a set of core values and competencies, conduct a self-assessment based upon those competencies, and create a strategic training program based upon the results. We determined that our defining values guide our practice, particularly with our hybrid model of liaisons collaborating with functional experts to engage users. The results of the self-assessment indicated that liaisons felt competent in teaching and research services, but less confident engaging faculty members in areas related to scholarly communication and digital tools. Our core competencies and best practices provide benchmarks for superior service and structure for an intentional training program.