This document outlines a strategic approach for librarians to better integrate themselves with academic departments by meeting individually with faculty members. It recommends emailing professors to discuss their research in person, following up after the meeting, and attending department seminars and events. The goal is for the librarian to become familiar with the scientific work and culture of the department so faculty will see them as a resource and include them in the community.

1. Strategic Outreach
Tricking my departments into
believing I’m one of them

2. Normal Stuff
• Marketing library events
• Self promotion
▫ In other words, mass emails

3. Personalize it!
• Email individual faculty
• Ask to meet to talk about
THEM

4. Dear Dr Scientist,
As you might be aware, I am the librarian to Your
Department. In order to better understand the
activities at This University, I’m meeting with
faculty to discuss their research. If you have some
time this week or next, I’d love to chat with you
about the work you do on Subject in your lab.
Please let me know what times might work for
you.
I look forward to speaking with you,
Margaret Janz…

5. Personalize it!
• Email individual faculty
• Ask to meet to talk about
THEM
• Follow up!
They will:
• Know my face
• Enjoy talking about their
research
• Associate my face with having
a pleasant interaction
• Contact me if they have
library-related issues

6. But I’m not a scientist!
• They’re probably used to talking to non-experts
• Even if they talk over my head, I’ll still
understand some stuff
• I’ll still understand if they have problems

7. What if they ignore me?
• Some people will ignore me.
• But not all!
▫ Don’t get discouraged!

8. Departmental Seminars and Events
• Get my face out there
• Learn more about the science
• Learn more about the lingo
• Learn about presentation norms and techniques

9. Eventually they will accept
me as one of their own.
Photo Credit: National Geographic Society/Hugo Van Lawick.