Media 21: A Strong Example of Embedded Librarianship

Besich, Lauren

Hamilton, B. J. (2012). Embedded librarianship in a high school library Library

Technology Reports, 48(2), 21-26.

CO- Embedded Librarianship

Summary:  This article provides a strong example of what embedded librarianship looks like.  Since 2009, teacher librarian Buffy Hamilton, and English teacher Susan Lester have collaborated on a course titled Media 21, in which students used participatory tools (Web 2.0 tools) to support their inquiry process.  Hamilton summarized how she collaborated with Lester to integrate social networks and new media into students’ inquiry-based projects.  Integrating Web 2.0 tools like Wordpress, Symbaloo, Wikis, Netvibes, NoodleBib, and Scopp.it helped students control and manage their learning (2009).  Her collaboration with Lester was possible because they shared similar philosophies on teaching and learning, and both parties were willing and open to share responsibilities.

Evaluation: As I stated in the previous article about embedded librarianship, this topic really excites me, and I think this example of embedded librarianship is one every school in our nation should strive for.  Buffy Hamilton, the SLMS, is involved in the teaching and assessment processes, and did a great job integrating technology into the unit.  The students even created their own PLEs using Symbaloo.  Read this article for some collaboration inspiration!