eLearning and Embedded Librarians

Gretchen KeerMary Beth Parkinson

Peter Scheponik

An embedded librarian

• Has a presence in courseware – Teaching Assistant

• Understands course goals/assignments• Creates/monitors discussion Board Research

Forum– Posts timely information– Responds to questions/comments– Provides feedback on research strategies– Links tutorial to course site– Provides additional contact information

The Evolving Academic Library

• No longer quiet repository of books• a teaching/learning center• Vital to student success• Extends it’s reach – library awareness• A resource for continual support via its web

presence

Why an embedded librarian?

• Increasing numbers of online classes• Supports Information Literacy, a core learning

goal at MCCC• Compliance with ACRL Standards/Middle States– Locate, evaluate, use information effectively– Academic success – life-long learning

• Student focused • Extend traditional library support

What makes embedding successful?

• Faculty/librarian collaboration, trust, sharing• Librarian as Teaching Assistant in course• Effective research assignments• Individualized research instruction • Learning tools, i.e. tutorials, linked to course

site• Librarian meets the students where they are

Rewards of Bringing Information Literacy to Online Classes

• Students - strengthen information skills; deepening of course knowledge

• Faculty – Improvement in quality of resources used by students

• Library- recognition of library’s value as a teaching/learning center and supporter of student success

• Institution- Information literacy standards addressed; facilitates assessment

Instructor’s Experience

• Meeting the needs of adult learners• Tutorial as part of grade• Creating research plan• Outline• Being specific about sources they need

Technical Aspects

• Blackboard• “Advertising”• Notifications• External stuff

Blackboard

• Add librarian as co-instructor, GA/TA, etc.• Create a discussion board• Set up email notifications

Discussion Board

Advertising

• Put up an announcement• Make a note in the syllabus• Provide a link to library resources• IM office hours

Example Response

Challenges

• Culture• Digital divide• Enough librarians• Turn around time• IT & Administrative support

Questions

• Are you embedding librarians?• How important is IL to your institution?• Are you invovled in any other initiatives?• Are you assessing IL skills?• How are you addressing the digital divide?