Management of Embedded Librarianship in Academic Institutions Presented by: Christina Morel and Haley Rapacz

Overview of Presentation – Part One What is embedded librarianship? Ways Librarians are Embedded Why is embedded librarianship a trend in the information science profession? What is the planning process regarding the management of embedded librarianship? How are responsibilities and budget implemented?

Overview of Presentation – Part Two The 21st Century Embedded Librarian – Job Requirements The University of Oklahoma MLIS Student Survey and Interviews with Academic Librarians Overall Position and Conclusion: Pro-Embedded Librarianship References

What is Embedded Librarianship? “The phrase comes from ‘embedded journalists,’ and places a reference librarian right in the midst of where the user is to teach research skills whenever and wherever instruction is needed” (Shumaker 2009, 239). At the academic level this calls for librarians to be embedded into the classroom, particularly the virtual classroom. “…Libraries now compete for a share of the information market….but the same technologies that are competing with traditional reference service have freed us reference librarians from the chains that have kept us in the library.” (Shumaker 2009, 240)

Ways Librarians are Embedded Widgets on D2L (Desire2Learn: Online classrooms) Links to Research Guides on D2L Site Virtually (Skype) Physical (In-person during class sessions to tailor to subject matter) Assistant to Professor in Online Class Chat Rooms

Why is Embedded Librarianship a Trend in the Information Science Profession? As the education and technology field changes, so must the role of librarians. “Powerful forces transforming higher education are prompting a fresh examination of liaison librarian roles in research libraries” (Jaguszewski and Williams 2013, 4). These forces “include new and rapidly changing technologies, an abundance of digital information in myriad formats, an increased understanding of how students learn, evolving research methods, and changing practices in how scholars communicate and disseminate their research and creative work” (Jaguszewski and Williams 2013, 4).

What is the Planning Process Regarding the Management of Embedded Librarianship? 1) Would your workplace benefit? 2) Determine your environment 3) Assess staff is willing and able 4) Think about the library’s budget (may be determined by specific institutions) 5) Determine what departments would need embedded librarianship (Shumaker 2009, 241)

How are Responsibilities and Budget Implemented? Establishing a costumer relationship – tailor to your institution’s and department’s needs Estimating the demand for products and services Library outreach Identify potential markets – which departments want embedded librarians? Establishing relationships with departments How embedded a subject librarian must be will be determined by the departments they serve

How are Responsibilities and Budget Implemented? “The current state of the economy has led to shrinking college and university budgets nationwide. As a result, academic libraries are being asked to cut both resources and services. Therefore, many embedded librarians find themselves in a position where they are being asked to recommend which resources and services their departments=college can do without.” (Heider 2010, 113)

The 21st Century Embedded Librarian – Job Requirements Engagement – Anticipate and identify the needs of students and faculty Library Instruction – Design and provide instruction uniquely tailored to the department’s needs Research Consultations – Holding office hours, being available through email and chat, provide guides and other resources (if embedded directly into virtual classroom) Collection Development – Interact with faculty in subject department to determine what materials are necessary Digital Communication – Provide assistance with technology (Daniel, Ferguson, et al. 2011)

The University of Oklahoma MLIS Student Survey Results We asked students 10 general questions about embedded librarianship regarding topics such as the need for an embedded librarian and if they should be allocated a larger income. If a librarian was designated to your class, would you be more likely to approach them? 60% more likely 30% maybe and 10% said no If you are interested in becoming a reference librarian at the academic level, would you like to be virtually embedded into a classroom as part of your responsibilities? 60% yes 30% maybe 10% no Are you familiar with what embedded librarianship is? 30% yes 70% no Should embedded librarians be paid more because of these responsibilities? 40% yes 40% maybe 20% no Do you think embedded librarianship should be designated to supervisors or liaison librarians? 80% thought it should be decided in order to tailor to an institution and 20% thought they should be considered liaison librarians

Interviews with Academic Librarians at The University of Oklahoma What are the pros and cons of embedded librarianship? Pros: The librarian gets a much better understanding of students’ and faculty’s needs. Cons: It is much more time consuming and can be difficult when a librarian is not allowed to play an administrative role in the classroom. What should embedded librarianship entail at an academic institution? Has to be willingness and mutual understanding between librarian and faculty and the ways in which librarians would be embedded should be determined based on departmental needs. Would the management and budgeting of embedded librarians be different from liaison librarians? The only difference would be to make sure they have the skills to be embedded, to provide necessary resources to them, and to be more aware of the feedback from the department they are serving.

Overall Position and Conclusion: Pro-Embedded Librarianship “Students are entering college without the information literacy skills they need to produce quality work, and faculty are frustrated because students use Google as their source for scholarly research. Embedded librarians who have experience with collaboration and outreach not only partner with department faculty to teach undergraduate and graduate students the skills they need to locate and use information effectively, but they also provide learning opportunities outside the walls of the classroom” (Heider 2010, 113).

References Daniel, Linda, Ferguson, Jean et al. 2011. “Engaging With Library Users: Sharpening Our Vision as Subject Librarians For the Due University Libraries.” Collections and User Services Council: 1-10. Heider, Kelly L. 2010. “Ten Tips for Implementing a Successful Embedded Librarian Program.” Public Services Quarterly 6(2- 3):110-121. Jaguszewski, M. Janice and Karen Williams. 2013. “New Roles for New Times: Transforming Liaison Roles in Research Libraries.” Association of Research Libraries: 1-17. Shumaker, David. 2009. “Who Let the Librarians Out? Embedded Librarianship and the Library Manager.” Reference & User Services Quarterly 48(3): 239-257. Accessed March 23, 2016.

Thank you! Questions?