This article discusses the UK higher education environment and how increasing student expectations have led to students engaging with their academic institutions as partners. The differences between consumerist and partnership models of engagement are discussed and the article includes a UK-based case study which illustrates how effective student partnership relationships and practices can be beneficial for the development and continual improvement of academic library and student support services. The case study provides practical examples of effective partnership initiatives which can be applied to a wider group of university professional services areas.