Librarians as Partners: Moving from Research Supporters to Research Partners

Introduction Demonstrating the value of libraries in an academic setting has long been a topic of research and comment among librarians. Libraries are in a sustained state of proving their contributions to the academic missions of universities which do not necessarily recognize the broader value of libraries. This trend will most likely continue because of budget decreases and changing perspectives of university administrators who do not prioritize budget requests as highly unless there is an evident connection between the library, enrollment, and student learning outcomes.1 Embedded librarianship is a recommended approach to showcasing the value of academic librarians outside the library walls. In their 2011 report, Redefining the Academic Library, the Educational Advisory Board (EAB), recommended new roles for librarians, including embedded into courses, academic departments, and research teams.2 As an organization that “provides best practice research and practical advice” that is respected by university administrators, the EAB addresses the future of libraries and defines the changes they must make in order to survive in the evolving landscape of higher education. The 2010 report The Value of Academic Libraries has become a widely read and influential piece on what libraries can do to demonstrate their value to university administrations.3 Although not specifically aimed at a discussion of embedded librarianship, the report does, recommend activities related to tracking and increasing library contributions to faculty research productivity.4 The recommendations reflect the dominant themes throughout the literature on non-instruction based embedded librarianship. The report states that “although librarian roles are changing, research collaborations between faculty and librarians continue to benefit both partners.”5 The report goes on to explain the “essential question” of “How does the library contribute to faculty research productivity (or tenure and promotion decisions.)?”6 The traditional concept of