article: "The incredible embeddable librarian"

Dale, J., & Kellam, L. (2012).

The incredible embeddable librarian.

Library Media Connection, 30(4), 30-31. 

Count: 3 pages

After attending* the ALA / Buffy Hamilton "Taking Embedded Librarianship to the Next Level" this afternoon, I wanted to follow up on a couple of references Buffy cited. The title alone for this article caught my attention.

                                                                  *or whatever one does at a webinar, 

                                                                     or to a webinar, or with a webinar

The authors come from an academic setting, but they make great points about this type of work at any academic level and in any learning community. I will look back at this article for specific tips on how to get started, how to maintain great embeddedness, and how to evaluate and continue to improve the experience. 

A variety of activities could be included in experiences of embeddedness:

1. Integration of information literacy skills into individual departmental curriculum,
2. research consultation, and 
3. partnerships in research and teaching.

The purpose of embedded librarianship is "to build relationships so we can gain deeper insights into what our
customers are doing and how they will use the information we provide."

No two collaborative experiences are the same -- no two communities have the same needs. Bottom line: "The focus is on actively developing and enhancing relationships with users."