AbstractThis paper reports the results of a study aimed at finding out whether the relationship between faculty and librarians improved, deteriorated or did not change with time, and also whether it could be improved further, and how it could be improved. Data was collected from 50 management institutes in Mumbai using survey method. Questionnaires to faculty and Librarians were administered and content analysis of suggestions given by them to improve the relationship was carried out. The findings of the study indicated that a majority of librarians are optimistic about their relationship with faculty. Also, the general trend of faculty suggestions is positive. Improved communication, interaction, collaboration, library services, infrastructure, use of ICTs, organization structure, personal qualities of librarians, mutual respect and trust were the factors investigated out of the suggestions analyzed. More efforts from librarians, faculty and institute authorities are needed to improve the relationship between the two groups. Librarians will have to take the initiative for improving the relationship. However, faculty and management of the institutions also need to cooperate and initiate changes to achieve this goal. Training librarians in relationship building skills and well planned relationship building programs will lead to improved relationship between the two groups.
Keywords: Faculty-Librarian Relationship; Librarian-Faculty Relationship; Faculty-Librarian Interaction; Librarian-Faculty Interaction; Management Institutes.