Outreach Librarian

The Health Sciences Libraries at the University of Michigan invite applications for the position of Outreach Librarian. This position provides an exciting opportunity for a creative, service-oriented information professional to join the staff of an innovative library system. The Outreach Librarian will cultivate partnerships between the libraries and the health sciences communities at the University of Michigan and will work closely with community organizations in providing outreach services to support the missions of the university and benefit the local community, state, and region.

The primary responsibilities of the Outreach Librarian will include: working closely with liaison librarians to identify, contribute to, and participate in local health-related events sponsored by the departments and schools at the University of Michigan and UM Health System; identifying appropriate local initiatives and coordinating HSL participation; building relationships and fostering partnerships with community organizations to provide effective health information education programs for diverse local user populations; exhibiting and/or presenting at meetings of health professionals in Michigan to promote health information resources and services; working with others in the HSL to identify funding opportunities and write proposals for support; and coordinating proposal submissions, administering funded projects, conducting evaluations, and reporting results. The Outreach Librarian also is the outreach contact for the Greater Midwest Region of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine and reports outreach activities to the region. Additionally, the Outreach Librarian provides general information services, participates in library and university committees, and contributes to the profession through activities in library, education, and health associations and publications.

The Health Sciences Libraries serve more than 21,000 users in the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Dentistry in addition to the University of Michigan Health System and contain more than 545,000 print volumes and 6,000 serials (http://www.lib.umich.edu/hsl/). As part of the University Library system, the Health Sciences Libraries offer access to a rapidly expanding collection of more than 20,000 electronic journals and databases and are part of a vigorous and ambitious digital library program. The Health Sciences libraries are integral partners in the development and provision of innovative and effective information services vital to the University’s education, research, and patient care initiatives.

Further information may be found at www.lib.umich.edu/hr/employment/outreach.html

QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Graduate degree from an ALA-accredited library program and two years experience working with the public or an equivalent combination of relevant advanced degree and experience; knowledge of consumer health information resources; demonstrable organizational and project management skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; positive and proactive approach to projects and problem solving; excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills appropriate to a diverse, multicultural environment.

Desired: Community-based outreach experience; demonstrated success in securing grant funding and administering funded projects; understanding of and interest in social networking technologies for building online communities; demonstrated creativity in designing promotional materials; experience or coursework in health sciences librarianship.

Rank, Salary, & Leave: Final rank and salary dependent on experience and qualifications; position is anticipated to be filled at Assistant or Associate Librarian level. Professional positions receive 24 days of vacation a year; 15 days of sick leave a year with provisions for extended benefits as well as opportunities for professional development and travel.

Retirement: TIAA-CREF or Fidelity Investments

To Apply Send cover letter & copy of resume to Library Human Resources; 404 Hatcher Graduate Library North; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1205 by U.S. mail, or email materials to libhumres@umich.edu. Contact 734-764-2546 for further information.

Application Deadline: Review of Applications will begin on 4/1/2008 and continue until the position is filled.

University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory, affirmative action employer.