Social Capital as Operative in Liaison Librarianship: Librarian Participants' Experiences of Faculty Engagement as Academic Library Liaisons

This study examines the foundational concepts of social capital as operative in liaison librarianship. Participants were interviewed and asked a series of open-ended questions aimed at soliciting responses about the foundational aspects in question, including motivations to engage, trust, trustworthiness, shared values, relationship dynamics, influence, and network growth. The focus of the analysis is the interviewee's responses and statements about their own personal interaction with faculty as well as their reflections on their relationships. Responses were categorized and coded as shared commitment, interrelational dynamics, and network positionality. The findings raise intriguing dynamics for liaison librarianship in the 21st century as academic libraries are challenged to broaden their reach and services and demonstrate increasing return on investment.