Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/87421
Embedded Librarianship: The Library As a Service, Not a Space ultimate goals must align with those of the rest of the library team. If You Build It, They Will Come Once the groundwork of relationships and trust has been established, embedded librarians need to then immerse themselves in the interests and needs of their customers. Most often, embedded librarians learn on the job, participating in meetings and calls, joining email distribution lists, and having individual conversations with their customers. If a librarian is embedded in a practice group, for example, the librarian needs to gain a strong understanding of that area of law, including not only what practice-specific resources are available, but also how to use those resources to deliver information on emerging issues and trends in that practice area. Armed with this information, embedded librarians can open a dialogue with customers to determine what they need and then produce results that meet those needs. This cycle of learning, observation, communication and feedback is one that continues throughout the life of any embedded librarianship program. As the cycle repeats itself, and as the embedded librarian demonstrates the ability to provide focused, targeted information and results, eventually the embedded librarian becomes an integral team member and valued contributor, and is considered indispensable to the team going forward. One thing to remember when undertaking or even considering an embedded librarianship initiative is that no two libraries or organizations are the same, so no two approaches to an embedded librarianship initiative will be the same. Embedded librarianship has a spectrum of possibilities — an initiative can be tailored to fit any organization's needs. All in a Day's Work The specific tasks and duties of an embedded librarian will vary depending on both the organization and customer base. In a survey conducted by "3 Geeks and a Law Blog" earlier this year, respondents identified the following tasks and duties of embedded librarians: • Research • Product assessment and recommendation • Cost-effective research education • Analysis and summarization of research findings • Development of contribution to current awareness streams • Research project management (schedules, checklists, calendars, best practices, etc.) Other tasks that could potentially be added to this list might include competitive intelligence, knowledge management and database development/management. The successful embedded librarian is one who has the ability to discern what tasks and duties will have the highest customer benefit and then develop and implement them. Differences between traditional librarianship and embedded librarianship: Traditional Librarianship Library-centric Generalists Transactional-based delivery Separate and apart Service provider Embedded Librarianship Customer-centric Specialists Project-focused analysis and synthesis Integrated and engaged Trusted team partner AALL/ILTA White Paper 11