UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND LIBRARIES
POSITION DESCRIPTION

Date Prepared: June 2009
Division: Universities at Shady Grove and UM Libraries Public Services Division
Title: Health and Life Sciences Librarian
Category: Faculty, Full-Time (12 Month Appointment)

NATURE OF WORK: Public services librarian, based at The Universities at Shady Grove, with liaison responsibilities to nine universities within the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI). The incumbent is responsible for three categories of duties: (1) librarianship, (2) service, and (3) scholarship and creativity. Librarianship includes responsibilities to provide general and specialized reference assistance, general and specialized bibliographic instruction, and specialized collection development. Service includes a variety of work for the Library, the University, and the profession, typically through service on teams and committees beyond the assigned areas of responsibility. Scholarship and creativity may be of several types promoting the discovery, integration, application and teaching of knowledge. The incumbent supports information literacy efforts and faculty research

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the successful planning, organization, and implementation of creative and innovative public service programs, including access services, reference, staff services, web-based initiatives, outreach and research instruction. The incumbent’s primary responsibilities include: providing library instruction, in-depth reference assistance, and collection development services

• Serves as library liaison to the Universities at Shady Grove and its programs in the Health Sciences (including Pharmacy, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Public Health), Biological Sciences, Psychology and Social Work. Liaison work involves but is not limited to developing and managing electronic and print collections, promoting services available through the libraries, and supporting information literacy efforts and faculty research.
• Provides specialized and general reference. Provides in-depth reference, library instruction, and collection development services in the specified subject specialties. Teaching includes library instruction and research skills for both undergraduate and graduate students.
• Creates and revises Web pages for library instruction classes, preparation of library guides, user aids, bibliographies, signage, and other products to enhance understanding of and access to information.
• Trains reference desk assistants in catalog searching and on most commonly searched databases.
• Develops metrics and reports; documents significant issues.
• Responsible for collection development tasks including Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Social Work disciplines. These tasks include the selection of materials (acquired both by purchase and as gifts), managing resources in all formats, and evaluating the usefulness, currency and comprehensiveness of existing collections. The incumbent also evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of existing collections when new programs are developed and plans for the needs of these programs accordingly.
• Participates in the activities of The Universities of Shady Grove Library team.
• Works collaboratively and supports projects and programs of mutual interest with librarians at other USMAI Libraries and at The Universities at Shady Grove Library.
• Serves on various Library and University teams and committees, as well as participates in activities of professional organizations and other community groups related to librarianship.
• Engages in ongoing outreach activities as they relate to collections, reference, and instructional services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Extensive use of the computer.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervises students.

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, skills, and abilities):

EDUCATION:
Required:

ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library or Information Science. Subject background in Health Sciences and/or Biological Sciences or related discipline, demonstrated through academic degrees, course work, publications, or substantive experience.

Advanced degree in subject specialty or related field.

EXPERIENCE:
Required:

Experience providing reference and instructional services and/or collection development and management in an academic or special library serving similar clientele. Understanding of current and emerging trends in the Health Sciences, and/or Biological Sciences disciplines and familiarity with electronic resources, information technologies, and collection management. Strong public service orientation. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to meet promotion and permanent status requirements.

Knowledge of current and emerging trends in academic library services/resources. Experience using digital and Web technologies in the delivery of library services; experience integrating information literacy concepts into teaching; experience developing reference and instruction services. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and creatively with students, faculty, and library staff in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment. Experience working in a team-based work environment.

return to top