This book has been written in less than a year, but the idea for it has been germinating for much longer. Among the many people who have guided, taught, influenced, and encouraged me along the way are, in chronological order:
My colleagues in Information Services at the MITRE Corporation, whose amazing professionalism first showed me the potential of embedded librarianship.
Dr. Martha Hale, former dean of the School of Library and Information Science at the Catholic University of America, who gave me a chance to become a full-time faculty member and encouraged me to pursue a research theme that interested me.
Laura Tyler, who proposed a research project on embedded librarianship and co-authored the first “Embedded Library Services” paper.
Mary Talley, my co-investigator for the Special Libraries Association (SLA) Models of Embedded Librarianship research grant, whose insight, high standards, and inexhaustible energy were essential to the project’s successful outcome.
Judy Siess, who planted the idea of writing a book on embedded librarianship in a conversation at the 2009 SLA Conference and whose Searcher article captures the essence of the model.
Marydee Ojala, editor of this work, who has encouraged and guided me through the proposal and writing process. Marydee has perfected the art of being demanding and supportive at the same time.
And above all, my long-suffering family, especially my wife, Donna—friend and advisor, partner and collaborator.