This document discusses embedded librarians, who are librarians added to course shells in learning management systems like Blackboard to support students' research processes. It notes that embedded librarians go by various names but are meant to be embedded in courses as they progress. The benefits of embedded librarians are described for students, faculty, and librarians, with comments from each group highlighting the value of the service. Key points covered are how the embedded librarian program began at the institution, what embedded librarians can do to help students, and lessons learned from the experience.

1. What is an Embedded Librarian?
…a librarian who is added to your BB shell as
a Course Builder or TA to support students in
their research process…
We support all courses: online, face-to-face,
and hybrid.

2. What’s with the Name?
When asked to embed a librarian, faculty have responded,
“I have to check with my wife first.” or “What are you asking
me to do?”
Embedded Librarians have also been called Lurking,
Integrated, Blended Librarians, or Information Concierges.
However, Embedded Librarian really is the name of the
service. Think about a reporter who is embedded in the
action as it unfolds. Similarly, Embedded Librarians are
embedded in a course as it progresses so their help is
available whenever and wherever it is needed.

3. How was Embedded Librarian born at WCC?
• A librarian was part of a DL Title III Grant to expand
distance learning on campus. (2001-2006)
• As Distance Learning Librarian, I read listserv
discussions that described a brand new service:
Embedded Librarian.
We can do this!!!
• Our Embedded Librarian service started in Fall 2005 with
one course and one librarian.
• During 2011-2012 we were embedded in 146 courses!!
• All librarians became embedded in September 2011.

4. What can Embedded Librarians do to help students?
• integrate Research Guides, interactive tutorials, videos, database
links and articles, and relevant resources into BB shells
• encourage critical thinking about research topics
• recommend search strategies that are customized to a topic
• teach how to find and evaluate appropriate web resources
• provide instruction in citing sources and understanding plagiarism
• collaborate with instructors to develop effective information literacy
assignments
• facilitate and monitor BB Library Discussions
• demonstrate how to find and request Library materials not online
• assist with access to materials that the Library does not own
• direct students to appropriate campus resources

5. Win-Win!!!
Advantages for students:
• librarians are accessible at students’ point of need
• instructor/librarian partnerships enhance learning
• supplement traditional library services and instruction
• encourage comfort levels with librarians
• understand how librarians can help
• benefit by all answers to discussion questions
Comments from students:
“Thank you so much for getting back to me. I appreciate you breaking down each part
for me - getting the citation right seems to be the most time consuming and
challenging part of this paper.”
“The databases you listed for this class were very helpful - I found some good articles
on MagillOnLiterature Plus and MLA International Bibliography.”
“Other students have told me the embedded librarian has helped them with
narrowing topics and with finding useful search terms. “

6. Advantages for faculty:
• opportunities to collaborate with librarians
• relieved of time answering information literacy questions
• allows librarians to answer information literacy questions
• develop more successful research assignments
Comments from faculty:
“It truly gives the students access to some of the best information and
guidance regarding their studies and research projects. It is a
wonderful supplement to ALL courses and everyone who uses
blackboard SHOULD EMBED!! ”
“My students have first and foremost become comfortable asking
questions of the librarian. They actually look for her when they do
go to the library.”
“My students benefit from asking on-the-spot, online questions about
finding sources about a particular topic and about MLA.”

7. Advantages for librarians:
• direct access to students, library assignments, and syllabi
• opportunities to collaborate with faculty
• help students with assignments in other courses
• get to know individual students

8. What We Have Learned
• works best when instructor encourages students to contact
librarian
• instructors have awarded a point or two, extra credit, or
required evidence of communications with librarians
• students are reluctant to post in discussions
• librarian refers questions not within his or her expertise
to the instructor
• embed a librarian in courses without library assignments
• more students visit us in our offices
• Course Builder role, instead of TA, saves time

9. Convinced?
How to Request an
Embedded Librarian:
Harold L. Drimmer Library

13. I am available to answer
your questions.
Thank you for your interest!
Professor Sandy Schepis
Virtual Services Librarian
914.606.6629
sandy.schepis@sunywcc.edu
Ask a Librarian!
Sandy's Research Guides