Library Home » Services » Collection Development » Library Bibliographers' and Faculty Liaisons

The Faculty Liaison Program at the UTSA Library

Faculty Liaisons

• Communication with faculty members and selection of library materials for the library are facilitated through faculty liaisons. Each academic department has an opportunity to identify at least one faculty liaison to work with the subject bibliographer to assist in making selections or recommendations for Library resources-including books, audiovisual/multimedia resources, print subscriptions, electronic resources, and research collections. See list of library bibliographers and faculty liaisons by college.
• In some cases, a department may want to select more than one liaison to work with a bibliographer. For example, the Department of Political Science and Geography may select a liaison from both the Political Science and Geography programs to work with the bibliographer to make sure both academic interests are represented.

Importance of the Liaison

• The liaison is an important part of the Library's collection development activities. The liaison can have direct and significant impact on what the Library selects. Read more about what factors are involved in selecting materials for the library.
• The liaison can be as involved or uninvolved as he/she chooses but more input definitely reflects positively on the Library's collections.
• The liaison should represent all interests of the department, not just his or her research interests.
• The liaison should be able to make suggestions for acquisition of materials that support student needs as well as faculty research interests.
• The liaison is responsible for communicating with other faculty in the department when input is requested by the Library.

Specific Ways Liaisons Are Encouraged to be Involved

• Review new titles the Library receives on approval-as can other faculty members.
• Provide input on adding major research collections.
• Make recommendations for Library acquisitions in specific or new subject areas.
• Make recommendations for new print subscriptions and electronic resources. Use our online form to recommend a purchase.
• Serve as a conduit of information, especially for program reviews, accreditation reports, and new degree proposals.
• Serve as an information source about departmental and academic research activities, both informally and formally.
• Serve as a contact for the subject bibliographer to disseminate information regarding the Library's goals, programs, and services to the faculty and students. Find your subject bibliographer's contact information.
• Coordinate departmental feedback when the Library solicits feedback on resources, collections, and services.