eLearning and Embedded Librarians Gretchen Keer Mary Beth Parkinson Peter Scheponik

An embedded librarian Has a presence in courseware – Teaching Assistant Understands course goals/assignments Creates/monitors discussion Board Research Forum – Posts timely information – Responds to questions/comments – Provides feedback on research strategies – Links tutorial to course site – Provides additional contact information

The Evolving Academic Library No longer quiet repository of books a teaching/learning center Vital to student success Extends it’s reach – library awareness A resource for continual support via its web presence

Why an embedded librarian? Increasing numbers of online classes Supports Information Literacy, a core learning goal at MCCC Compliance with ACRL Standards/Middle States – Locate, evaluate, use information effectively – Academic success – life-long learning Student focused Extend traditional library support

What makes embedding successful? Faculty/librarian collaboration, trust, sharing Librarian as Teaching Assistant in course Effective research assignments Individualized research instruction Learning tools, i.e. tutorials, linked to course site Librarian meets the students where they are

Rewards of Bringing Information Literacy to Online Classes Students - strengthen information skills; deepening of course knowledge Faculty – Improvement in quality of resources used by students Library- recognition of library’s value as a teaching/learning center and supporter of student success Institution- Information literacy standards addressed; facilitates assessment

Instructor’s Experience Meeting the needs of adult learners Tutorial as part of grade Creating research plan Outline Being specific about sources they need

Technical Aspects Blackboard “Advertising” Notifications External stuff

Blackboard Add librarian as co-instructor, GA/TA, etc. Create a discussion board Set up notifications

Discussion Board

Advertising Put up an announcement Make a note in the syllabus Provide a link to library resources IM office hours

Example Response

Challenges Culture Digital divide Enough librarians Turn around time IT & Administrative support

Questions Are you embedding librarians? How important is IL to your institution? Are you invovled in any other initiatives? Are you assessing IL skills? How are you addressing the digital divide?