The photo-generation of optical anisotropy is investigated in spin-coated films of two liquid crystalline polymers containing differently substituted azobenzene side groups upon irradiation with linearly polarized light. UV spectroscopy with polarized light. waveguide spectroscopy and NEXAFS (Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) spectroscopy have been used to characterize the photoinduced order within the film and at the surface. While azimuthal anisotropy is observed in the volume of both polymers. surface anisotropy is only found in case of the homopolymer. The azobenzene moieties of the copolymer do not show any out-of-plane orientation at the surface.