From Traditional to the Futuristic: A Paradigm Shift Towards Embedded Librarianship

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of embedded librarianship, its multiple meanings, and activities in practice. Embedded librarianship is a distinctive innovation which initiates a new range of services in present day libraries. This paper defines the attributes of embedded library services such as user-oriented, group centric, expertise, etc. It also endows with suggestions for acting as a group and not as an individual, taking support from the organisation and associates, commercial outlook, exhibiting competence in risk taking, etc. It is a transformational process from traditional librarianship to the new and more active role of embedded librarianship. As compared to traditional librarianship which is based on transaction, embedded librarianship is based on a relationship with the faculty, or user community. It offers the opportunity to rethink about the traditional library services and do work that is new, more challenging, more rewarding, and more valuable to their communities. When an embedded librarian initiates interaction with the patrons, it takes them to another level of understanding with the user. This paper highlights the requirement of embedded librarians and the changing role they have to adopt and perform at present day libraries. It also presents an overview of how the concept of embedded librarianship can be incorporated into school libraries.