The Embedded Librarian is an introduction to a growing trend in library services, which encourages librarians to form “strong working relationships” with groups or individuals who need their expertise. By working as an integral part of the larger organization, whether in an academic environment or corporate library, librarians can provide expanded service and strengthen their own role in an organization. The author describes how embedded practices are applied in different types of libraries and provides practical guidelines on how to apply the principles in each library environment. While recognizing the challenges, Mr Shumaker strongly supports the value of embedded librarianship as a response to changing trends in both library services and society.
Conventional library services, in which librarians collect information, catalog it, and then wait for inquiries about that information, are no longer a truly viable service method for most libraries. In all types of libraries traditional reference transaction numbers are down. In addition, most library customers don’t come to the library for traditional reasons – they come to use computers, find a quiet place to study, or to attend programs. As an advocate for embedded librarianship, the author provides case studies of embedded library practices that provide a new service. He describes how this model is being used in several types of libraries: academic, medical, government, and corporate. In all of these environments embedded librarians have found innovative ways to support the knowledge needs of their customers.
Mr Shumaker opens with a chapter defining embedded librarianship as “moving out of the physical library and forming strong working relationships with groups and individuals who need the librarian’s information expertise.” He provides several real-life examples from university and corporate libraries. The next four chapters provide detailed situations describing how embedded principles are being applied in academic, corporate/government, medical, and primary/secondary education. There is also a short section on public libraries, though the author acknowledges that embedded practices are less compatible with the public library environment. However, he does provide some examples of public librarians who are involved with underserved groups in their community, such as the homeless and people needing disaster assistance. These situations provide opportunities for public librarians to offer information and referrals to people in need.
Part II of The Embedded Librarian outlines the strategies and tools needed to successfully apply embedded practices in any library situation. First, he recommends assessing the readiness of your library and staff. Each library has unique characteristics and your program must fit the environment where you work. Chapter 7 includes a questionnaire to help librarians determine if they are already providing embedded service (without identifying it as such) and what steps are needed to expand that role. Another questionnaire also provides suggestions on determining how open your organization is to an expanded role for librarians.
Chapter 8 provides specific steps for getting started. Among the topics discussed are engaging the library staff, identifying the best staff for embedded roles, building organizational readiness, and roles for solo librarians. The chapter concludes with suggestions for developing a formal action plan, which identifies each specific step, the expected outcome, and a completion date. Shumaker encourages setting deadlines since these will help keep projects on target.
The final two chapters of The Embedded Librarian focus on sustaining the embedded role and evaluating its success. According to the author, maintaining a successful program requires focussed marketing, delivery of value-added services, and consistent communication between the librarian and the group with which they are embedded. Shumaker also points out that library managers have an important responsibility to evaluate the embedded librarians’ work.
The Embedded Librarian is a valuable resource for any librarian considering expanding into this new service model. In addition to a general discussion of the topic, the author provides valuable success stories from different types of libraries. Equally importantly, he provides step-by-step guidelines for implementing an effective program. Each chapter concludes with a list of references for further reading. I recommend The Embedded Librarian to any librarian who is considering starting an embedded program or expanding one already in place.
