Growing Embedded librarians like Kudzu: How the Embedded Extension Service Creates More Embedded Librarians without Creating New Positions

摘要

In an era of exploding online enrollment and tight budgets, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) struggles to meet the needs of online students. CPCC librarians went one step towards solving that problem in 2009-2010 by launching an embedded librarian program. CPCC's program became so successful that it struggled to meet demand. In 2013, CPCC Libraries reached out to nearby MLIS program at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) to create a project that links this demand with a creative solution: the Embedded Extension Service (EES). Student interns from UNCG are trained in embedded librarianship practices and tools while providing reference services to CPCC online classes. EES is 100% online, making it easier for students to participate from anywhere. This is beneficial for both schools because CPCC is able to offer embedded services to more classes and UNCG is able to facilitate practical, real world experience for budding librarians.