Cross Collaborations: Librarians Stepping Out of the Box to Serve Students.

Despite declarations that libraries are the heart of the institution, they are frequently overlooked or taken for granted. Collaborations are a way librarians can more fully participate in the culture of the institutions they serve. A review of the literature finds an emphasis on collaboration with faculty members, both full-time and adjunct, but there is less emphasis on the many departments in academia that do not have faculty members. As academic librarians position themselves at the heart of their institutions, it is vital to work with all departments and not focus solely on faculty-based departments. This article highlights the literature on collaboration within academic institutions, examines current practices of librarians working with non-faculty members, and considers the best practices in creating and fostering collaborations beyond the faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]