Sustaining librarian vitality: embedded librarianship model for health sciences libraries

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Health Sciences Education
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Biomedical information is increasingly accessible, challenging traditional health sciences libraries.
• Libraries face pressure to demonstrate relevance and strategic value to their institutions.
• Embedding librarians offers a solution to maintain vital roles in health professions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a five-level model for embedded librarianship in health sciences libraries.
• To identify and describe the roles, knowledge, and skills required for embedded health sciences librarians.

Main Methods:

• Conceptualization of a five-level model for embedded librarianship.
• Analysis of desirable roles, knowledge, and skills for embedded librarians.

Main Results:

• A proposed five-level model for embedding librarians within health sciences contexts.
• Detailed description of the competencies needed for effective embedded librarianship.

Conclusions:

• Embedding librarians is a viable strategy for health sciences libraries to remain relevant.
• The proposed model provides a framework for developing and implementing embedded librarian services.
• Specific roles, knowledge, and skills are crucial for embedded librarians to support education, research, and patient care.