Better Together: A Collaborative Model for Embedded Music Librarianship

The literature on embedded librarianship typically describes activities initiated by the librarian. Yet research has also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts for achieving optimal results. We detail our experience with a practical model for such collaboration, a model that promotes structured, systematic dialog between an embedded music librarian, the faculty of the music department, and higher-level administrators. Focusing in particular on information literacy and research instruction, we demonstrate the model’s ability to facilitate creative, collaborative solutions for both the academic unit and the library. The model’s structure and progress inventory tools are adaptable to a variety of similar contexts.