David Shumaker

This book provides a thorough treatment of delivering library services in an "embedded" fashion. Readable and based on solid research. Clearly a proponent of the embedded model, the author puts forth a compelling argument in favor of implementation in multiple contexts, where the culture is ready. He also provides practical advice and frameworks to help librarians assess their organizations' readiness. Most useful for librarians who work in organizations with established library infrastructure who wish to explore or move toward implementing an embedded approach. Not as helpful for solo librarians or others who wish to incorporate librarians or library services into an organization for the first time.… (meer)

It is generally accepted that libraries are changing and this book argues that librarians themselves must also change with their environments. We must become embedded in the communities we serve to best serve them. I'm one semester away from my MLS and this is an idea that is beaten into our heads daily so I didn't find anything in this book too revolutionary.

Still, I found the book to be well organized, researched and written. There is plenty of food for thought so long as you aren't expecting anything radical. Of most interest to me were the chapters that stepped away from traditional settings (public, academic) and looked at what librarians can do for corporations and government agencies.… (meer)

I need to second the aside from another reviewer: $49.50 is so pricey for this work.
I gained the most from chapter 3 (embedded librarians in higher education) and chapter 10 (evaluating your success). Overall, this text seems best read by folks outside of the library profession who are considering ways in which to bridge the information gap between an institution and its customers. Perhaps library science students would be a better audience but at that price, it wouldn't be all that considerate of a recommendation.
For example, an embedded librarian in a higher education setting would not gain much out of chapter 10. It is too simplistic and doesn't provide enough of a strong framework for developing an assessment plan. Yet, someone who is considering an embedded librarian and needs to justify the role could benefit from the framework and worksheet provided.
Another example, the chapter on higher ed was an interesting read and synthesized quite a bit of research on the topic. Yet, you read the "best practices" section in the 'how to succeed' area and see that it's bullet points over two pages. Not enough depth there to dig very deep into innovative strategies.
Would I recommend? Not really.… (meer)

It's almost overkill to create a whole book on the subject. It's certainly worthwhile to consider the value of earning a library degree and then working in a non-traditional setting; the lessons learned while earning a Master's degree in library science is extremely valuable in many work groups.
As a librarian who rarely worked professionally in a "traditional" library, I do recommend considering this. I have worked in non-profits, for profit contracting companies, government agencies, and more. All valued my training and education and credentials, my abilities specific to my degree training and the general abilities which come with higher education and critical thinking.
If you value quantification and would appreciate analyzing your choices, this book might be a valuable resource; it might also be useful to a professional within a company or agency wishing to be able to quantify and demonstrate a need to hire those with library training and experience.… (meer)