The Library Student Liaison Program at Eastern Washington University: A Model for Student Engagement

Abstract

In 2006, Eastern Washington University (EWU) Libraries implemented a library student liaison program to enhance library efforts at student engagement. Reporting to the associate dean of libraries, the library student liaison is an undergraduate hired on a part-time basis to represent students within the library organization and to represent the library among the student body. The three goals of the program are (1) to enhance communications between EWU Libraries and the student body, (2) to articulate student perspectives on library services and help determine priorities for meeting student information needs, and (3) to increase student participation in library programs and activities. The student liaison develops an annual action plan to support these goals. Activities have included developing and maintaining the library's social networking sites, conducting student surveys, and implementing library events for students. Entering its fourth year, the student liaison program has been very effective in meeting desired outcomes.