Embedded Librarian

One aspect of library work that is new to me is the embedded librarian.  I find this situation fascinating.  The embedded librarian is becoming increasingly popular in clinical settings and universities.  What is an embedded librarian? It has been a struggle for me to find a good definition.  According to an article in College and Research Libraries News, “embedded librarianship takes a librarian out of the context of the traditional library and places him or her in an “on-site” setting or situation that enables close coordination and collaboration with researchers or teaching faculty.” ( Carlson & Kneale, 2011). 

Being an embedded librarian comes with great power but also great responsibility.  It is an excellent opportunity to show the organization (university, hospital or business) the value of a librarian.  Working with other members of the organization on a project can help to promote the library services on a whole.  Embedded librarianship also aides in creating avenues of communication, which might not otherwise exist, between the library and other faculty.  Librarians can observe first-hand what resources would fit the needs of their clientele and how to better facilitate their needs.  I look forward to learning more about embedded librarianship in my future.   

 Carlson, J., & Kneale, R. (March, 2011). Embedded librarianship in the research context: Navigating new waters. College and Research Libraries News, 72, 167-170.