Beyond Library Walls: Embedding Librarians in Academic Departments

Abstract

Today's academic library provides resources that users can access both physically in the library and virtually from academic offices. This increasing availability of online access means that information resources are no longer confined within library walls and librarians need to rethink how their constituents' information needs are being met. Embedding librarians in academic departments and programs is one way to expand library services within this new information landscape. This article describes the background and process for embedding librarians and provides case studies from three librarians who successfully embedded themselves in academic departments.

KEYWORDS:

• academic
• academic departments
• collaboration
• embedded
• outreach
• reference