Becoming An Embedded Librarian

Showcases strategies for successfully embedding librarians and library services across higher education. Chapters feature case studies and reports on projects from a wide variety of colleges and universities. --from publisher description.

Embedded librarianship is “not one size fits all,” yet many books on the subject treat it in a cold, objective manner that doesn’t adequately communicate how becoming an embedded librarian actually works in the real world. Here, Reale shares her own university classroom experiences to offer a step-by-step primer for those contemplating the practice. Demystifying what can sometimes feel intimidating to academic librarians, this down to earth resource defines what embedded librarianship is, and isn’t;explains why being in the classroom is so important, and how it creates communities of learning;shows how to clarify the role of the librarian in a classroom by being a “facilitator of process”;offers strategies for relationship building, setting goals, and honing a teaching style; and discusses embedded librarianship and branding.Readers will feel confident applying the lessons learned from Reale’s first-hand account to their own experiences both in and out of the classroom.

Here is the first comprehensive survey of the growing practice of "embedded librarianship"-a strategic model for placing information professionals into partnerships with the individuals and working groups that depend upon their knowledge and expertise. David Shumaker looks at implementations in all types of organizations, identifies the characteristics of successful embedded librarians, and explains how information professionals in public, academic, school, medical, law, and other specialized library settings are using embedded librarianship principles to enhance their work and careers. In demonstrating the value of information professionals to a broad range of knowledge-intensive projects, The Embedded Librarian is an important book for managers and executives involved in team building. In addition, its wealth of practical coverage and analysis, case studies, templates, and exercises make the book an invaluable resource for library school students, practicing librarians who wonder if an embedded role is right for them, and current embedded librarians who want to be ready for new opportunities in this exciting area of library work.

Loaded with recommended practices for increasing engagement and developing courses and programs for business owners, professionals, and job seekers in the community, this book points the way towards making the library an integral part of the business community in ways that are realistic and sustainable.

Embedded and Empowered: A Practical Guide for Librarians offers library professionals from all types of libraries a recipe for success in creating successful embedded librarians by providing easy-to-follow instructions, tips, and exercises.

In the ongoing evolution of the academic library, embedded librarianship has become an important topic of debate across levels and departments. This book delves into the concept, examining everything from theory to best practices. Is the embedded librarian an equal partner in the course, or is the librarian perceived as a "value-added" extra? What is the place of technology in this effort? Is there a line librarians should not cross? Taking into account both theory and practice to discuss multiple facets of the subject, Embedded Librarianship: What Every Academic Librarian Should Know thoroughly examines these questions and more from the perspectives of experienced embedded librarian contributors who have worked in higher education settings. The chapters illuminate the benefits and challenges of embedding, explain the planning required to set up an embedded course, identify the different forms of embedding, and consider information literacy instruction in various contexts. Readers who will benefit from this work include not only academic librarians but any professor who wants their students to be able to do better research in their fields.

This treatment of embedded librarianship showcases strategies for successfully embedding librarians and library services across higher education. Chapters feature case studies and reports on projects from a wide variety of colleges and universities, including some surprising settings and results. In this collection, librarians are seen using the embedded model to become valuable collaborators, trusted instructors, and partners in shaping the curriculum and broad institutional goals beyond the boundaries of the library.

Traditionally, academic librarians have delivered “beck and call” service to educators both in and out of the classroom. However, far from being merely auxiliary to the learning cycle, academic librarians are educators in their own right. If the primary challenge before them is to change how they’re perceived within their institutions, Reale proposes, the key lies in becoming a proactive teacher and collaborator. Offering strategies applicable to many different areas, this book shows how the academic librarian can be an educator in both structured and unstructured spaces on campuses. Blending practice-based evidence with a warm approach, Reale discusses the changing perception of academic librarians, how they are seen and how they see themselves;shows how academic librarians can and should assert their rightful place in the learning cycle;looks at how to match teaching goals with academic librarians’ mission;advocates for the indispensable roles the academic librarian should play, including co-collaborator, one-on-one research consultant, expert-at-large in non-structured spaces such as the dorm or student lounge, and embedded librarian in the classroom; offers talking points for self-advocacy, looking at the many ways academic librarians are making a difference; andexplores activities and programming for engagement and learning. This book will empower and validate academic librarians by demonstrating their indispensable roles as educators.