How a Health Sciences Librarian Creates a

Different Approach to Library Instruction

Gwen Wilson, MLS, Health Sciences Librarian

Washburn University, Topeka, KS

Moving Beyond the Library One-Shot by being an Embedded Librarian

VS.

Multiple Ways to be an Embedded Librarian

• Physically embedded in the face-to-face class

• Combine face-to-face and an online presence in the LMS (learning management system)

• Online library instruction and an online presence in the LMS (learning management system)

• Only an online presence in the LMS (learning management system)

Connect with Faculty• Resear

ch-based assignments

Meet with the

Faculty• What

is the format of the course?

• Details of the assignment(s)

Custom the

resources/

services to each class

Feedback

• Students

• Faculty

Process to Customize Library Services with One Librarian

Challenges

Time Organization

Communicating to Faculty and

Students

Benefit: Increase of Student Success in Research-Based Assignments

Testimonial to How Student Success Has Increased

In the fall of 2013, the Health Sciences Librarian was embedded into one of the online radiation therapy courses. In the course, students completed a review and summary of scholarly articles related to new advancements in the field of oncology.  Embedding a librarian within the course positively impacted student success in this research-based assignment. The average rubric score was well above average.  I believe the expanded access to the librarian within the online class was a key factor in students achieving such success. Students seemed more willing and less self-conscious about the seeking assistance of the librarian because of her presence within the course.  

Additional Benefits

• More students seek help through multiple methods

• Nursing, Allied Health, and Kinesiology Faculty see more value in the role the Health Sciences Librarian has in higher education

Questionsgwen.wilson@washburn

.edu