Embedded Business Librarianship for the Public Librarian

by Barbara A. Alvarez

Overview

Embedded Business Librarianship: building transformative connections with your public library's business community will deliver the actionable steps that public libraries can take to begin Embedded Business Librarianship in their library and community. Taken from experience, the best approaches to developing sustainable partnerships in the business community, building new patron loyalty, and creating dynamic digital and library initiatives will be described. Additionally, the reader will learn step-by-step instructions for becoming embedded, as well as examples of successful workshops and programs. This book will equip the library professional with the tools to become a participatory librarian that is dedicated to the success of the community’s small business owners, professionals, and job seekers. After reading Embedded Business Librarianship: building transformative connections with your public library’s business community, the library professional will be able to:

• Understand his/her role as an Embedded Business Librarian: what it is, what it is not, and its goals
• Acquaint himself/herself with the library’s business community through preliminary research and networking in order to begin implementing the position as detailed in a five-step process
• Become a liaison that ensures clear and effective communication between the library, business community, and organizations
• Position himself/herself as a local expert, speaker, and trainer that brings values to businesses and careers
• Create continuing engagement and educational opportunities with the community through digital initiatives and in-library events and workshops
• Utilize the recommended resources, books, blogs, training, and networking opportunities for further growth within the Embedded Business Librarian position

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838914823
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	07/28/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	120
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Barbara A. Alvarez has been teaching and training the public for five years. As a librarian, she has partnered with local government, historical centers, nonprofit groups, and the business community. When she served as the business liaison librarian for nearly two years at the Barrington Area Library in Barrington, Illinois, she taught over 150 job seekers, completed more than 100 one-on-one appointments with local business owners and professionals, and coproduced numerous videos and podcasts with entrepreneurs. For her efforts, she was nominated for the Athena Leadership Award for innovation and creativity in the business community, and was awarded the Public Librarian Support Award from the Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS)/Morningstar at the 2015 American Library Association conference. She has presented at professional networking events on the topic of business librarianship and has been a contributor to Public Libraries Online, as well as being published in Library Journal, Illinois Libraries Matter, and Recruiter.com.

Editorial Reviews

★ 12/01/2016
Librarians interested in expanding services to the business community have a new resource in their arsenal. Alvarez (former business liaison librarian; Barrington Area Lib., IL) demonstrates how public librarians can establish a deeper relationship with and become an integral member of their local business community. In this slim yet powerful guide, Alvarez defines and explains the concept of embedded librarianship. The author discusses learning about the library's business community; making initial contacts with groups and individuals; networking with company owners, professionals, and job seekers; and incorporating the business community's needs into services and programs. Resources for continuing education are also addressed. Alvarez's easy-to-follow explanations and encouraging tone give the impression that one is having a conversation with an experienced mentor. The author provides readers with the tools needed to dive into embedded business librarianship. Additionally, many of the ideas expressed can be applied to other areas such as education, health, or recreation. VERDICT This is the type of guide we all need when attempting to offer a new service; it is succinct, practical, and applicable. For anyone considering embedded relationships or those wishing to improve services to the business community. Highly recommended.—Lydia Olszak, Bosler Memorial Lib., Carlisle, PA

Library Journal