Embedded Librarians and Reference Traffic: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

In 2007, Capella University librarians began an embedded librarian pilot in the School of Psychology postgraduate 1st courses. Embedded librarian programs give librarians the opportunity to meet distance students in their natural habitats by participating in classroom instruction. This is a relatively new area in library research. An analysis of Capella's 2007 library reference traffic revealed a 400% jump in reference transactions with psychology students, coinciding with the introduction of the embedded librarian program. This study establishes a statistically significant relationship between the number of embedded librarian interactions in the classroom and the increased number of general reference transactions. While this study may provide an encouraging case for libraries considering an embedded program who want to advertise their help services, it might also provide a discouraging case study for libraries who hope to drive down general reference questions through embedded librarian initiatives. Potential for future research is discussed.

Analyzing Recorded Transactions to Extrapolate the Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of Reference Desk Providers at an Urban, Academic/Public Library

“…They instituted a new liaison model, virtual reference desk, and satellite services with success. Bennett and Simning (2010) further emphasize how the changing nature of reference provision can influence the number of reference transactions. At Capella University, the introduction of an embedded librarian in an online psychology course coincided with a 400% increase in reference questions from this population.…”

Embedded Academic Librarianship: A Review of the Literature

“…Bennett and Simning (2010) conducted correlation and linear regression calculations to show a positive relationship between the number of librarian interactions in an online course (discussion board comments) and the number of reference transactions in an online-only university setting. Sullo et al (2012) evaluated 82 reference questions encountered from 16 nursing and health sciences online courses with an embedded librarian component gathered in an approximate 16 month period.…”

Embedded Librarian Program Insights

“…As described by Bennett and Simning (2010): "Embedded librarian programs give librarians the opportunity to meet distance students in their natural habitats by participating in classroom instruction." The program is called embedded as faculty and librarians partner to include (or "embed") library assistance into online courses.…”