The future of academic librarianship: the imperatives of embedded librarianship practice and implementation

PurposeThe present study discusses the future of academic librarianship, emphasizing the essential aspects of embedded librarianship practice and implementation. In addition, it also explores the changing role of academic librarians, addressing challenges and opportunities in various contexts and highlighting the significance of embedded librarianship practice.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a literature review to understand the significance of embedded librarianship and its implementation in academic libraries. The researchers searched a range of electronic data sources, including Emerald Insight, Taylor and Francis, Science Direct, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Scopus, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), etc. Moreover, only peer-reviewed articles were considered for the review.FindingsThe study identified five major competencies, i.e. communication and interpersonal skills, teaching, research, collaboration and coordination and technological expertise, that are essential for implementing embedded librarianship in the academic library. However, in developing countries, there are various challenges faced by academic librarians such as inadequate ICT infrastructure, resource accessibility, cooperations, cultural diversity and a lack of financial support from the authority were major barriers to the successful implementation of embedded librarianship.Practical implicationsThe study findings are of considerable value to academic librarians, providing them with the opportunity to assess and evaluate their competencies and acquire the essential skills for implementing embedded librarianship. Further, the study also recommended some practical implications of embedded librarianship practices in the academic environment.Originality/valueThe findings and insights from this investigation provide a valuable perspective on the future of academic librarianship, shedding light on the critical role that embedded librarianship plays in shaping its direction.