How does the Key Mediating Variable (KMV) model enhance our understanding of librarian-faculty relationships?

The Key Mediating Variable (KMV) model of relationship marketing helps to understand the dynamics of librarian-faculty relationships by focusing on key factors that influence commitment and trust. By analyzing these factors, academic institutions can identify strategies to strengthen these essential partnerships and promote a relationship-centered approach. This model moves beyond transactional interactions and emphasizes open communication, shared values, and relationship benefits.

What are the key elements needed to foster a collaborative environment between librarians and faculty?

Several elements are crucial for building strong partnerships. These include open communication which is essential for understanding each other's needs and expectations, shared values which align librarians and faculty towards common goals like student success, and relationship benefits where both parties recognize the mutual advantages of collaboration. The concept of opportunistic behavior can affect the relationship. Addressing challenges, such as uncertainties about each other's roles, is also vital for maintaining a healthy partnership.

Can opportunistic behavior affect librarian-faculty partnerships, and how?

Challenges such as opportunistic behavior from either librarians or faculty can indeed negatively impact the relationship. Opportunistic behavior occurs when one party perceives the other as having ulterior motives, which can erode trust and hinder collaboration. Functional conflict, uncertainty about librarians' teaching abilities, or a lack of understanding of each other's roles can also lead to challenges. These challenges can be overcome through open communication, mutual understanding, and a willingness to compromise.

What practical steps can universities take to nurture and strengthen librarian-faculty relationships?

Universities can nurture librarian-faculty relationships by promoting open communication through regular dialogues and meetings, fostering shared values by aligning goals for student success and research excellence, and highlighting mutual benefits such as enhanced research outcomes and improved teaching practices. Encouraging faculty to recognize librarians' expertise in information literacy and research methodologies and librarians to understand faculty's disciplinary knowledge can strengthen future collaborations. Addressing and mitigating the possibility of opportunistic behavior by either party in the relationship is critical.

What are the wider benefits to the university community of prioritizing strong librarian-faculty relationships?

The ultimate benefit of strong librarian-faculty relationships is fostering a collaborative ecosystem that significantly supports academic excellence. This collaboration leads to enhanced research outcomes, improved teaching practices, and increased access to resources for students and researchers. A stronger sense of community and a richer learning experience are additional benefits that contribute to the overall academic environment.

A bridge of books connects a library and a faculty building, symbolizing librarian-faculty collaboration.

Bridging the Divide: How Librarians and Faculty Can Build Stronger Connections

Theo Raines in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking the secrets to successful librarian-faculty relationships: A systematic review reveals the key to fostering trust and collaboration in academia"

In the bustling ecosystem of a university, the relationship between librarians and faculty often operates behind the scenes, yet it's a cornerstone of academic success. Librarians, with their deep understanding of information resources, and faculty, with their expertise in specific disciplines, form a symbiotic partnership that enhances research, teaching, and learning. However, like any relationship, this one requires nurturing, understanding, and a willingness to bridge potential divides.

A recent systematic review, analyzing numerous studies on librarian-faculty relationships, sheds light on the factors that contribute to successful collaborations. This research, grounded in the Key Mediating Variable (KMV) model of relationship marketing, offers valuable insights into how these essential partnerships can be strengthened, ultimately benefiting students, researchers, and the academic community as a whole.

The review emphasizes the importance of moving beyond transactional interactions focused solely on resources or services. Instead, it advocates for a relationship-centered approach, where librarians and faculty recognize each other's contributions, share common goals, and build a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Key Ingredients for a Strong Academic Partnership

A bridge of books connects a library and a faculty building, symbolizing librarian-faculty collaboration.

The systematic review identified several key factors that promote commitment and trust in librarian-faculty relationships. These elements act as building blocks, creating a robust and productive partnership. Let's explore the critical ingredients that can foster a collaborative environment:

Communication: Open and consistent communication is paramount. When librarians and faculty engage in regular dialogue, they can better understand each other's needs, expectations, and challenges. This involves active listening, clear articulation of ideas, and a willingness to share information. Communication can take many forms, from informal conversations to structured meetings, but the key is to establish channels that facilitate ongoing exchange.

Shared Values: Aligning values and goals creates a sense of unity and purpose. When librarians and faculty share a common vision for student success, research excellence, or community engagement, they are more likely to collaborate effectively. Shared values provide a framework for decision-making and ensure that both parties are working towards the same objectives.
Relationship Benefits: Highlighting the mutual advantages of collaboration is essential for fostering commitment. When librarians and faculty recognize the tangible benefits of working together, they are more likely to invest time and effort into the relationship. These benefits can include enhanced research outcomes, improved teaching practices, increased access to resources, and a stronger sense of community.
Addressing Challenges: It's important to acknowledge that challenges can arise in any relationship. The review identified opportunistic behavior – when librarians are perceived as having ulterior motives – as a potential barrier to trust. Other challenges may include functional conflict, uncertainty about librarians' teaching abilities, or a lack of understanding of each other's roles and responsibilities. Addressing these challenges head-on, through open communication and a willingness to compromise, is crucial for maintaining a healthy partnership.

To ensure a healthy and effective relationship, both parties should invest in understanding the other's perspective. Faculty should recognize the librarian's expertise in information literacy and research methodologies, while librarians should strive to understand the faculty's disciplinary knowledge and teaching goals. Regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and collaborative projects can help to bridge any gaps in understanding and build a stronger foundation for future collaborations.

Building Bridges for Academic Success

The research underscores a crucial point: successful librarian-faculty relationships are not just about providing resources; they are about fostering a collaborative ecosystem that supports academic excellence. By focusing on open communication, shared values, and mutual benefits, universities can empower these partnerships to thrive, ultimately enriching the learning experience for students and strengthening the research landscape.