Best practices for embedded librarians, based on personal experience as well as research on the experiences of other embedded librarians. Co-presented with Lilly Ramin of UNT Libraries.

1. Texas Library Association
Annual Conference
San Antonio, TX
April 15, 2010
Lilly Ramin Starr Hoffman
Instructional Technologies Librarian Librarian for Digital Collections
Research & Instructional Services Government Documents Dept.
University of North Texas Libraries University of North Texas Libraries

2.  we’ve both been online students
 shared research interest in distance learning
 Starr:
 research study:
▪ data on embedded librarians at six institutions
▪ activities they performed, their feelings about the experience
 Lilly:
 has been an embedded librarian at UNT
 learning pros/cons along the way
 saw a need for practical advice & best practices for
embedded librarians

3.  often for about an hour (similar to one-shot embedding)
 very specific topic or area expertise

4.  utilize chat, discussion
boards, or other tools
for a short period of
time
 best practice tips:
 upload screenshots
 share links
 share answers to all
questions

5.  similar to teaching assistant role
 answer a variety of student questions as they come up
 work with faculty for course access
 clarify faculty & librarian expectations/roles
 graded project
 incentive for students to attend librarian lectures
 virtual instruction sessions (Wimba)
 1 - 2 hours long
 sessions were archived
 checked discussion board daily

6. Course Management Software (CMS) Choice Subjects of Online Courses Embedded In
Types of Questions Received Discussion Board Use
assignment-
general library-specific
related
discussion discussion
discussion
board board
board
institution
X X X
A
Institution
X X X
B
Institution
X
C
Institution
X X
D
Institution
X X
E
Institution
X X
F

7.  Involve other librarians from the beginning
 Get buy-in from library administration
 Market the service to online instructors
 Clearly negotiate librarian’s role with the instructor
 Get information about the class ahead of time
 Follow-up with the instructor
 Be prepared to go outside your subject specialty

8.  Plot course assignment deadlines & plan ahead for busy
periods
 Monitor discussion board using email notification or RSS
 Check courses at set times throughout the day/week
 Save email messages & discussion board posts for future
use

9.  Create a library module open to every online student
 Post librarian’s contact information in the course
 Post in a single library-specific discussion board
 Post information proactively
 Include visuals in discussion board posts

10.  Test software & run system check ahead of time
 Post Trouble-Shooting Tips
 Be prepared with a "Plan B" & have alternatives in place

11. article to be published in the June 2010
issue of Public Services Quarterly as:
“Best Practices for Librarians Questions/Comments?
Embedded in Online Courses”
Feel free to contact us!
 email: Lilly.Ramin@unt.edu
 email: Starr.Hoffman@unt.edu