Do Embedded Librarians Have More Fun?
1 © Mary Talley 2009
Special Libraries Association Annual Conference
2009
Solo Librarians Division Program:
The New Face of the Special Librarian:
the Embedded Librarian
Presentation by Mary Tal ley June 15, 2009
How Do I Know ???
Models of Embedded Librarianship
Research Funded by
Special Libraries Association, 2008
Grant
Do Embedded Librarians Have More Fun?
3 © Mary Talley 2009
One organization’s embedded librarian
is another’s informationist . . .
What Are We Talking About When We Talk about Embedded Librarians?
4 © Mary Talley 2009
Do you provide specialized services
to any single customer group
within your organization?
Yes, I provide specialized services to
one or more customer groups.
Our Definition:
5 © Mary Talley 2009
Solo law librarian working for a single office firm
Solo law librarian working in a branch office of a multi-office law
Solo law librarian working exclusively for an intellectual property group
Who’s Embedded?
6 © Mary Talley 2009
Embedded Librarians Have More Fun When They Are...
7 © Mary Talley 2009
“In the Driver’s Seat,” they...
Embedded Librarians Have More Fun
8 © Mary Talley 2009
“In the Fast Lane,” they are...
Embedded Librarians Have More Fun
9 © Mary Talley 2009
“In a Porsche,” they have traded in a Toyota to...
Embedded Librarians Have More Fun
10 © Mary Talley 2009
“Does it add up to ‘fun’?”
Embedded Librarians Have More Fun
11 © Mary Talley 2009
A piece of the action
New opportunities
New relationships
Broader skill-sets
Value-added services
To join the fun:
Solo Librarians Have What it Takes
12 © Mary Talley 2009
§ Organization size – small may be better
§ Industry Types – anyone can join
§ Education and Experience – MLS welcome, experience necessary
To join the fun:
Solo Librarians Have What it Takes
13 © Mary Talley 2009
§ Entrepreneurial Spirit – you’re already there
§ Management Support – ready-made relationships
§ Library Management Support – you’re it
Come along for the ride …
Embedded Librarians Have More Fun
14 © Mary Talley 2009
Join the fun …
You won’t be alone for long.
© Mary Talley 2009 15