Health Sciences Librarian

University of Western States • Portland, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Health Sciences Librarian (HSL) supports the educational, clinical, research, and scholarly activities of faculty, students, clinicians, and staff across the programs of University of Western States. This position serves as a library liaison to assigned academic programs, and provides instruction, consultation, and outreach that advance information literacy, evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and lifelong learning. Reporting to the Information Services Librarian and working as a member of the Academic Commons, the HSL collaborates with faculty and university staff to integrate library resources, research skills, and evidence-based practice concepts throughout the curriculum. The HSL develops and delivers instruction in information evaluation, scholarly communication, and emerging information technologies relevant to healthcare education and practice. The position also provides advanced research support services, including subject specific literature searching and consultation on research methodologies for faculty, students, and institutional projects. The HSL contributes to library planning, assessment, outreach, and service innovation initiatives that strengthen teaching, learning, patient-centered care, and research excellence across the university.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution; OR Master's degree in a health sciences discipline with demonstrated experience in library, information, or research support services.
• Experience teaching, training, presentations, or workshops.
• Experience searching academic databases and evaluating scholarly literature.
• Familiarity with health sciences information resources and databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PubMed.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to inclusive, equitable, and student-centered library services.
• Working knowledge of computers and integrated library systems.
• Strong oral, interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others.
• Able to work independently and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Commitment to providing superior public services.
• Dedication to the promotion of lifelong learning.
• Proficiency with video conferencing systems.
• Working knowledge of FERPA student privacy regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Educational background in health sciences, natural sciences, public health, psychology, chiropractic, nutrition, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with academic library technologies such as Ex Libris Alma/Primo, RefWorks, LibGuides, OpenAthens, OCLC services, and related platforms.
• Experience creating online learning materials, tutorials, research guides, videos, or other multimedia instructional content.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practice instruction and health sciences research methodologies.
• Experience supporting literature reviews, systematic reviews, scoping reviews, or other evidence synthesis projects.
• Familiarity with AI tools and emerging technologies that support teaching, learning, and research.
• Familiarity with research and data analysis software such as Atlas.ti, MaxQDA, SPSS, JASP, NVivo, R, or similar tools, and the ability to learn additional tools as needed.
• Interest in integrative health, whole-person health, or allied health education.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and assess library instruction supporting information literacy, evidence-based practice, and clinical decision-making.
• Collaborate with faculty and program leadership to integrate library instruction into courses and curricular activities.
• Develop and deliver workshops on database searching, critical appraisal of clinical literature, scholarly communication, and responsible use of AI tools.
• Create and maintain online tutorials, research guides, videos, and other learning objects that support student success.
• Provide individual and group research consultations for faculty, students, clinicians, and staff.
• Support literature reviews, systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and clinical practice guidelines.
• Provide instruction on advanced literature searches using health sciences databases and information resources.
• Assist with search strategy development, information management, citation management, and dissemination of scholarly work.
• Promote best practices in research methodology, evidence appraisal, and responsible use of research web tools.
• Create and maintain subject guides and instructional materials.
• Support the use of educational technologies related to library instruction.
• Assist with documentation and promotion of library digital tools and resources.
• Support responsible and appropriate use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools.
• Collaborate with the Information Services Librarian to maintain consistent library service desk coverage and ensure high-quality user support across service points.
• Participate in library planning, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
• Contribute to service desk coverage and user support initiatives.
• Assist Information Services Librarian with collection evaluation, resource promotion, and service development projects.
• Collect and analyze data to support assessment and strategic decision-making.
• Other duties assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including employer sponsored health, dental and vision insurance plan options.
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 10% match after one year.
• Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment.
• Free and reduced cost care in the campus health center for employees and their immediate family members.
• Paid vacation, sick, wellness time and holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level