Embedded Librarian Program

Welcome to the Embedded Librarian Program Guide. I hope you find the information presented useful. Note: Embedded Librarians are on a first-come, first-served basis due to the high demand for our trained information professionals. We do have helpful tutorials on library services you are more than welcome to use. To learn more about our tutorials, contact James Scholz at jscholz@tnstate.edu. 

The Embedded Librarian Program was started at Tennessee State University in 2007 under the direction of former Library Director Dr. Yildiz Binkley. The coordinator for the program was Ms. Barbara VanHooser (retired), who assisted with online, hybrid, and on-ground courses by providing electronically based, integrated library instruction. The program has expanded to include well over seven librarians who provide instruction within the program. The Embedded Librarians have been embedded in Undergraduate and Graduate courses in Nursing, Psychology, Health Sciences, Speech Pathology Communication, Criminal Justice, Business Administration​​​​​​, and more!

The term "Embedded Librarian" is thought to have many interpretations in an ever-evolving digital world. At TSU, we see our embedded librarians as collaborators specializing in specific academic content types. " Whether it’s the learning outcomes of an academic course or the commercial objectives of a market research study, embedded librarians need a full understanding of the nature of the task and the goals of the effort" (Shumaker, 2014). The Embedded Librarian sustains a partnership between student and instructor that is symbiotic. 

The Embedded Librarian disseminates academic content beyond the traditional reference desk and heavily utilizes the university's learning management system(s), SpringShare platform (Ask A Librarian, Research/Course Guides), Social Media, e-mail, and phone. 

References: Shumaker, D. (2014). Embedded Librarian: Innovative Strategies for Taking Knowledge Where It's Needed. Medford: Information Today, Inc.

We look forward to assisting you! Here are a few things that we can do for you!

• We can create course-specific source links, research guides, and tutorials for your courses.
• We can create a platform that will encourage in-depth research and analysis, solving problems via discovery, obtaining, reviewing, and analyzing relevant information.
• We can assist with creating assignments that will promote creative thinking, problem-solving, and information literacy.
• We will hold virtual office hours and be available on campus for consultation.

In order to have a successful symbiotic partnership, please consider the following: 

1. Allow the Librarian to have multi-contact points for interacting with students throughout the semester.
2. Allow the Librarian to assist you, the instructor, with curriculum design and instructional delivery.
3. Form a working relationship with the Embedded Librarian(s) that will be assisting with your courses.