Job Description: Health Sciences Librarian
Position: Health Sciences Librarian
Department: Library and Information Science
Reports to: Library Director
Job Summary:
The Health Sciences Librarian is responsible for providing specialized library services and information resources to support and enhance the academic and research needs of health sciences programs and professionals. This role involves managing a comprehensive collection of health sciences materials, assisting users in locating and utilizing relevant resources, and collaborating with faculty and staff to develop effective information literacy programs. The Health Sciences Librarian is also responsible for staying current with emerging trends and best practices in health sciences librarianship.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Develop and maintain a collection of health sciences resources, including books, journals, databases, and electronic resources, ensuring their accessibility and relevance to user needs.
2. Provide reference and research assistance to faculty, students, and staff in the health sciences disciplines, both in person and virtually, demonstrating a strong knowledge of health sciences databases, reference tools, and research methodologies.
3. Collaborate with faculty to incorporate information literacy skills into the curriculum, including teaching library instruction sessions and creating online research guides tailored to health sciences programs.
4. Assist users in effectively utilizing library technologies, online databases, and search tools, offering guidance on information retrieval strategies and citation management software.
5. Develop and deliver specialized workshops and training sessions on health sciences research topics and emerging technologies relevant to the field.
6. Stay informed about current trends, developments, and best practices in health sciences librarianship, attending conferences and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills.
7. Collaborate with other librarians to promote interdisciplinary research and resource sharing, contributing to library-wide initiatives and projects as assigned.
8. Participate in collection development activities, including evaluating and selecting new health sciences resources, managing subscriptions, and ensuring alignment with program requirements and accreditation standards.
9. Assist in the marketing and promotion of library services and resources, including creating informative materials, organizing displays, and utilizing social media platforms.
10. Contribute to the assessment and evaluation of library services, collecting and analyzing data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
Qualifications:
1. Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution.
2. Minimum of two years of professional experience in an academic library, preferably in a health sciences setting.
3. Strong knowledge of health sciences information resources, including databases, e-journals, and evidence-based practice tools.
4. Proficiency in using library systems and technologies, such as integrated library management systems, discovery platforms, and reference management software.
5. Demonstrated ability to provide effective reference and research assistance, utilizing a variety of search strategies and resources.
6. Experience designing and delivering information literacy instruction sessions, both in-person and online.
7. Familiarity with emerging trends and technologies in health sciences librarianship, such as data management, systematic reviews, and open access publishing.
8. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, students, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
9. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
10. Commitment to professional development, including staying current with developments in health sciences librarianship through ongoing education and participation in professional organizations.
Note: This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It does not include all tasks, duties, and responsibilities that may be required.