Visualizing academic librarians: an arts-informed inquiry

The primary question investigated was ‘How do Deakin University academic staff perceive the role of liaison librarians?’ This investigation was conducted to collect and analyze data to better understand how academics at Deakin University perceive the role of librarians, regardless of whether they are faculty liaison or service desk based, and to help inform how liaison librarians at Deakin University undertake their role.

Focus groups were formed by inviting academics and selected library staff to participate in an activity, during which they created an artifact – a visual representation of the role of a liaison librarian using mixed media, including drawing and collage. During an unstructured interview section, participants gave an oral explanation of their work in order to make meaning of their creative representation. This was recorded, and de-identified, for data analysis.