Extending liaison collaboration: partnering with faculty in support of a student learning community

摘要

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to describe the successful collaboration between faculty inEastern Kentucky University Libraries and the University's Occupational Therapy Department insupporting a graduate student learning community, and the benefits of stepping outside of typicalliaison activities to play an active role in this new educational paradigm. Design/methodology/approach –In 2006, graduate students and faculty in Occupational Therapyat Eastern Kentucky University, with a librarian and with the support of a national professionalorganization, facilitated the completion of a graduate thesis through the use of a topic-based learningcommunity. This team completed an in-depth, evidence-based review of occupational therapy journalarticles in the context of a regional university environment. This article focuses on the collaborationbetween faculty and librarian as they facilitated this new learning paradigm, the enhancement of theliaison partnership, and the results of the project especially in terms of student learning outcomes. Findings – Collaborating with faculty to support a student learning community, and supportingstudents in atypical ways, contribute in valuable ways to strengthening the relationship withacademic departments, increasing the perceived value of library services, and promoting studentsuccess. Practical implications – Library liaison programs benefit from innovative partnerships withfaculty, and from seeking opportunities to participate in new educational models. Originality/value – This paper addresses the benefits of participating in student learningcommunities.