Abstract

Overview of educational roles of the embedded librarians, based on collaboration and building relationships with the faculty. The concept, functions and models of embedding librarians in learning environments are defined. It is concluded that embedding activities are a good model to empower the library in higher education and legitimate its participation in teaching activities.

Abstract

The library of the Spanish open university Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED) is involved in distance learning of information skills in formal postgraduate courses. This paper discusses action levels, structure, content, method, learning resources, tutoring, etc., and describes the student evaluation exercises. The formation of teams and the functions performed by embedded librarians is explained. Finally, the results of satisfaction surveys and the convenience to continue these training activities are discussed.

Abstract

Spanish university libraries have had to adapt their services to the virtual environment after the classroom-based teaching lockdown in March 2020 due to Covid-19. Given the possibility of a greater virtual dimension of learning and teaching during the next academic year, these library services should be improved. This paper analyzes how university libraries are strengthening their support for online learning and are progressively being integrated into the virtual campus, as well as the actions that are necessary to enhance these services and the main difficulties perceived by their librarians. For this purpose, a sample of professionals from university libraries was interviewed, and the research literature on this subject was also reviewed to identify the main international experiences that can be considered as benchmarks for improving virtual library services. Both the research literature and the librarians interviewed agree on two aspects: the need to increase collaboration with other university departments and the wide scope for improvement in the integration of the library into online learning, which is currently limited.