What is it about?
Graduate students often struggle to find and use library resources for their research, especially when they are studying online or don’t know where to turn for help. To address this, a librarian was moved from the main library into the graduate school building to work more closely with students and faculty. This made it easier for students to ask questions, attend workshops, and get one-on-one help with things like using databases, finding articles, and citing sources. As a result, more students and faculty began using library services, and many shared how helpful the librarian’s support was for their research success. This approach shows how having a librarian nearby can make a big difference in helping students succeed.
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Why is it important?
This study is one of the first to evaluate the impact of physically relocating a research librarian into a graduate school to directly support student research needs. At a time when graduate students face increasing academic pressures and often study in hybrid or online formats, this innovative approach addresses the critical gap in access to personalized research support. By embedding the librarian within the academic environment, the initiative enhances visibility, fosters stronger connections with students and faculty, and leads to measurable increases in library engagement. This model offers a timely, scalable solution for improving graduate student success and can inspire similar strategies at other institutions.
Perspectives
Writing this article was especially meaningful to me as it reflects both my professional commitment and personal passion for supporting graduate students. As a research and instruction librarian, I’ve seen firsthand how students struggle to navigate complex research tasks on their own. Relocating into the graduate school gave me the opportunity to build deeper connections, provide more timely support, and witness the real impact of librarian accessibility on student confidence and success. This work not only strengthened collaboration between the library and the graduate school, but also reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of embedded librarianship.
Mahta (Fatemeh) Kholoosi Raftar
Texas A&M University Commerce
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Exploring the Impact of Research and Instruction Librarian Accessibility on Graduate Student Achievement, Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, March 2025, University of Alberta Libraries,
DOI: 10.18438/eblip30636.
You can read the full text:
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