We've started something big at EWU Libraries. Last year we piloted a library student liaison program to improve outreach to students, particularly undergraduates. Modeled on the liaison program at George Washington University's Gelman Library, the pilot had three goals:

• enhance communication between EWU Libraries and the student body;
• articulate student perspectives on library services and help to determine priorities for student information needs;
• increase student participation in library programs and activities.

The position, a part-time, 40-week renewable position reporting to the associate dean, was funded from the library's operating budget at a higher rate of pay than most student positions in the library. After a search and interview process, we hired Lauren, a senior pre-law major who had demonstrated leadership experience and communication skills.

Enhanced Communication. Lauren participated in job shadowing and attended library management meetings and staff development sessions to gain an understanding of library policies and operations. Her first task was to develop and maintain the liaison Web site and pages in MySpace and FaceBook. She also spoke to student government, student clubs and organizations, and program managers in student support services and academic programs.

Student Perspectives. EWU Libraries implemented the LibQual+ 2007 satisfaction survey in April 2007, and Lauren helped to promote the survey to students. She also held student focus groups to help in identifying student perspectives on and priorities for library services. Lauren implemented physical and virtual "comment boxes" and kept a log of student interactions. She participated in policy discussions regarding a coffee shop in JFK Library, technology, and library fines, among others.

Library Programs and Activities. Lauren partnered with student and academic programs to increase student use of the library through displays and events. Examples include: the Clothesline Project, a display to promote domestic violence awareness, in JFK Library; a service learning project to promote RefWorks citation software to students; Game Night, providing board games and Xboxes for students needing a study break the week before finals.

As EWU Libraries continue to grow and change to meet the information needs of students and faculty, the student liaison program is a promising means of outreach. EWU Libraries have garnered goodwill among student leadership as a result of the student liaison pilot. The student liaison program has also helped library staff to see policy and procedures from a fresh perspective. Because Lauren graduated in June, EWU Libraries have recently hired our second student liaison. Katrina is a junior marketing major (and former cheer captain) who has big plans to bring students to the library-and the library to students. For more information, contact Julie Miller at julie.miller@mail.ewu.edu