Subject Coordinator: a new role to support team-based research services

Subject Coordinator: a new role to support team-based research services

Carleton University’s MacOdrum Library underwent a Public Services Review in 2016-18 to ensure quality, timely and focused public services to the users. The Review found the current liaison service model, which included collection development, reference/research help, and library instruction duties, was not sustainable as staff were unable to perform duties consistently throughout the academic year. A reorganization of some public service departments was recommended resulting in an amalgamation of two departments (Reference and MADGIC) into a single department (RSS) with a new service model and organizational structure. The new organizational structure would emphasis a team-oriented approach, allowing for a more flexible and adaptable liaison. Three Subject Coordinator (SC) are responsible for coordination of activities of the Subject Team, which includes facilitating knowledge sharing and collaborative group work as well as setting Team objectives and establishing procedures. Good flow of internal and external communication is key in this role. Duties related to human resources management for the Subject Team are not part of their responsibilities. The SC also collaborates with Collection librarians (also new roles in RSS) and Functional librarians to ensure that the teaching, learning and research needs of Carleton faculty and students are understood and met. Last of all, the SC plays an integral part of the planning and implementation of strategies to enhance departmental services. This poster will discuss the opportunities and challenges the three SCs have encountered since the implementation of the new structure, including how they assess the successes and areas for improvement