Becoming an Embedded Librarian

December 1, 2015

Every instruction librarian knows the challenge of teaching the complexities of information literacy in a one-shot instruction class. Reale (librarian, Arcadia Univ.; Mentoring & Managing Students in the Academic Library) argues that embedding in face-to-face classes can address the shortcomings inherent in those onetime sessions. Through the description of her experience as an embedded librarian in a senior level English thesis course, the author provides tips and strategies for librarians to successfully implant themselves in various kinds of classrooms. Each chapter offers practical, easy-to-follow steps, and a bibliography of additional readings, for addressing issues such as relationship building, establishing a teaching style, personal branding, etc. The author makes a strong case that successful embedding can further demonstrate the value of the library profession to faculty and students. VERDICT A concise and lucid treatment of the topic. Highly recommended for instruction librarians working at academic libraries and teaching faculty who have librarians embedded in their courses. For a more detailed treatment that also includes coverage of online embedding, see Cassandra Kvenild and Kaijsa Calkins's Embedded Librarians: Moving Beyond One-Shot Instruction.--Joshua Wallace, Ranger Coll., TX

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