1. *Embedded
Librarianship

2. Definition and Background
“Embedded librarianship involves the delivery of highly customized
and highly valued information and knowledge services to a customer
group with well-defined needs” (Shumaker, 2012, p. ).
The phrase was borrowed from the “embedded journalist” idea that
came into use during the invasion of Iraq (Dewey, 2004, p. 6)
In higher education, liaison librarians working with discipline-
specific students and faculty.
Roots in the healthcare field in the 1960s with medical librarians

3. Best Practices
Use the same technology that faculty and students use
Library management must be supportive of staff
involvement in embedded librarianship as it can quickly
become a 24/7 proposition
Set parameters on availability
Actively collaborate with faculty
Assess readiness of both the librarian and the organization
Market and promote the service

4. More Best Practices
Evaluate on a continuing basis and
communicate the evaluation results to
stakeholders
Start small and work up
Collaborate with other units, such as IT, the
Distance Education Office, faculty development
centers, the Writing Center, etc.

5. Web-based Tools
Digital Learning Objects
o MERLOT, Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching
o Rice University’s Connexions
o YouTube’s Education Channel
o Digital Public Library of America, DPLA
o HathiTrust Digital Library
o Library of Congress American Memory Project
o PBS Learning Media
o OER Commons (Open Educational Resource)

6.  Content Management Tools
oGoogle+
oSlideShare
oWikispaces Classroom
oWordPress
oScoop.it!
oBlogs
oDiscussion boards

7. Embedding at TAMU-CC
In BlackBoard Library Corner Discussion Forums
Through WebEx in select courses—research-
intensive
Liaison librarians within the disciplines
LibGuides, tutorials, and web-based user aids
“Ask a Librarian” e-mail reference service

8. Embedding at TAMU-K