"Embedded Librarianship for 21st Century Learning"
April 27, 2014
Speakers: Valerie Hill (Valibrarian Gregg) and David Shumaker (Dmitri Starsmith)
She pointed out that real challenge facing embedded librarians is how to integrate information literacy goals within whatever context they find themselves working, be it a virtual world or in a classroom. This challenge is made difficult by the rapidly changing information landscape librarians find themselves working in. Print resources are no longer the top of the information hierarchy. Meeting information literacy goals means we must consider literacy for all information formats including print, digital, audio, video, social media and virtual worlds.
The concept of information literacy has changed. It now encompasses all types of "literacy" including Digital, Media, and Print literacy. Librarians and educators are engaged in fostering all types of literacy. Info literacy no longer means just print or teaching people to read.
Librarians and educators today are all impacted by "virtual worlds" whether or not they actively participate in Second Life because they are involved in social media, online meetings, online exhibits/displays and other immersive learning environments. Embedded librarians share resources and information in numerous formats both synchronous and asynchronous, and, in both physical and digital realms.
The next presenter, David Shumaker, author of the book, "The Embedded Librarian: Taking Knowledge Where It’s Needed" (Information Today, 2012). David examined what being an "embedded librarian" means. He pointed out that being embedded isn't dependent on place, driven by technology and isn't only about teaching.
At this program, Valerie Hill (Valibrarian Greg in SL) and David Shumaker (Dmitri Starsmith in SL) explored what it means to be an "embedded librarian" in a virtual world. Val presented first, reviewing how it came out of the goal to serve library patrons wherever they are and to incorporate services that help librarians meet information literacy goals.
She pointed out that real challenge facing embedded librarians is how to integrate information literacy goals within whatever context they find themselves working, be it a virtual world or in a classroom. This challenge is made difficult by the rapidly changing information landscape librarians find themselves working in. Print resources are no longer the top of the information hierarchy. Meeting information literacy goals means we must consider literacy for all information formats including print, digital, audio, video, social media and virtual worlds.
The next presenter, David Shumaker, author of the book, "The Embedded Librarian: Taking Knowledge Where It’s Needed" (Information Today, 2012). David examined what being an "embedded librarian" means. He pointed out that being embedded isn't dependent on place, driven by technology and isn't only about teaching.
Embedded librarians develop strong working relationships of mutual understanding with teaching faculty. They work together to develop shared goals and objectives. Librarians should be seen as partners who share responsibility for educational outcomes and where they have full membership in the team. Embedded is about collaboration, not about technology.
Embedded librarians have a role in curriculum development and course design. They can use their strong skills as collaborators to work with subject instructors and with students. David pointed out that the librarians role in Distance Ed and learning is not extraneous to the process but, should be considered integral to it. This view dovetails with the ACRL Info Literacy Competency Standards.
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