Consulting with an embedded librarian: student perceptions on the value of required research meetings

Abstract

Objective: This qualitative research project was undertaken to discover how students perceive the embedded librarian in their nursing class. The researchers determined how a required group research meeting was valued by students and whether that value warranted the necessary time and energy by an embedded librarian. Methods: Researchers conducted focus groups with twenty-three students from two different sections of the same nursing research methods undergraduate course. Students’ responses to a series of five questions were recorded within Zoom and supplemented by handwritten notes. Data was coded by hand and patterns that emerged from the five focus groups were analyzed. Results: Participants reported overall satisfaction with the embedded librarian and students felt they benefitted from the required research meeting with the librarian, which was part of the searching assignment rubric and closely tied to the assignment itself. Conclusion: Based on the data, a required research meeting with an embedded librarian, who is familiar with the course assignments, reinforces classroom instruction, point-of-need assistance with search strategies, and the opportunity to strengthen the relationship with the librarian for future research needs.