As subject or department liaisons, liaison librarians are the main link between the library and academic departments. Liaison activities involves establishing a line of communication with faculty through email, phone, or face-to-face meetings.
Here are some recommendations on how to start our relationship with our faculty:
1. Before contacting your assigned academic department, visit their website first and gather as much information there as possible.
2. Review the degrees granted in the department and the classes offered.
3. Initiate contact with the department after this "research." You may want to setup a meeting with the department head. It might be a good idea to make a list of questions you need to ask the department head so both of your time are spent wisely.
4. After the initial meeting, ask if you can attend their departmental meetings. It's a good way to get to know the faculty in your area.
5. Once you get to know some of the faculty, you might want to visit them individually as time permits.
ALA Reference & User Services Association states that library liaison collection development work is:
"The process by which librarians involve the library's clientele in the assessment of collection needs and services and the measurement of user satisfaction with the collection."