Librarian, Health Sciences -- Texas Woman's University -- Houston, TX

JOB SUMMARY
The Librarian, Health Sciences- Houston performs professional librarian work through general and specialized reference, research service, and instructional support to the TWU community; supports instruction and assessment activities for the Houston Campus through work as an information specialist to the health sciences. The work involves teaching information literacy classes, performing assessment on instruction classes, providing research assistance to library users, keeping current with technology and library trends, and performing outreach activities for TWU and the library profession. Requires knowledge of library operations, current electronic, computer, and other library technological systems, including hardware and software in support of the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nutrition & Food Sciences, MBA, Nursing, and Health Care Administration programs. Work is performed under general supervision with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performance is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures and is based on the accomplishment of defined objectives and the effectiveness of the assigned library functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but not limited to the following:

• Delivers professional reference services to library users both physically and virtually at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels.
• Liaison to students and faculty in the College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, and College of Business disciplines offered at the Houston Campus.
• Supports faculty instruction through collaboration and partnership in creating relevant library assignments for students.
• Supports faculty research through advanced database skills and knowledge of individual disciplines and areas of interest.
• Works with faculty to design and deliver course-integrated library instruction following the current standards.
• Contributes to partnerships, program development and outreach activities in specified disciplines.
• Provides specialized consultations and instruction sessions in support of research and clinical practice in the health sciences fields.
• Implements emerging trends in health sciences evidence-based practice, scholarly communication, publication processes, and instructional technologies specific to health sciences.
• Develops informational materials and resources such as resource guides, tutorials, and assignments.
• Develops and evaluates instructional content for library workshops for students and faculty.
• Assists faculty and librarians in the evaluation, selection, acquisition, storage, and withdrawal of library materials in areas of specialization.
• Evaluates resources, analyzes data, and proposes improvements.
• Assists in managing the Springshare Software and maintains subject-specific LibGuides for the Houston campus.
• Assists with circulation, reference, reserves, and interlibrary loan activities.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of the library web pages.
• Assists in the development of library policies and procedures.
• Participates in discussions and gathers information from professional colleagues and library associations.
• Contributes to the collection of statistical data to inform the department’s services and activities.
• Creates training materials and assists in training new personnel within the library.
• Leads in-service training for staff.
• Works in collaboration with other Library staff, University departments, local universities, and the larger community in developing new initiatives.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

1. Demonstrates continuing growth and professional development through activities and service.
2. Represents the TWU Libraries at orientations, faculty meetings, committee work, and other campus events.
3. Prepares monthly, semester, and special reports and documentation as requested.
4. Markets the services of the TWU Libraries.
5. Carries out unit-related special projects.
6. Performs other duties as requested.

EDUCATION
Master's degree in Library Science or equivalent from an ALA accredited institution. Background in health science related discipline and web development skills preferred. Additional job-related experience and/or education may substitute for the required MLS on a year-for-year basis. MLS must be obtained within two years of hire.

EXPERIENCE
Two years’ experience in related library service area or closely related field preferred. Bilingual preferred.

REQUIREMENT
Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.

Valid driver’s license issued by the State of Texas and a safe driving record such as required by the University for Driver’s Authorization.

All employees share the responsibility of maintaining information security and privacy requirements within the university by adhering to Federal and State regulations, and TWU Policies & Procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - The following are essential:

• Knowledge of research processes, scholarly communication models, pedagogical methods, and information retrieval.
• Knowledge of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management Disciplines offered at the Houston Campus in order to support the teaching and research efforts in these subjects.
• Knowledge of general library operations, informational and curricular needs, and subject specific resources for research and instruction.
• Active listening skills and reference interview skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Intermediate to advanced web development skills.
• Intermediate to advanced skills in managing LibGuides.
• Ability to gather information and customize its delivery to various audiences.
• Ability to design, organize, and teach instruction sessions.
• Ability to use advanced techniques to access and use library resources effectively.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information.
• Ability to learn, use, and teach library related computer programs.
• Ability to navigate Course Management Systems (CMS).
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally, by telephone, by e-mail, in person, and in writing.
• Ability to represent the department and University in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.
• Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment and adapt to changing technologies.
• Ability to coordinate work with other employees, providing direct instruction or supervision as assigned.
• Ability to supervise others.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to use office equipment and personal computer including university software and email.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described in the Essential Duties are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The physical demands of this position include repetitive hand motion, hearing, listening, talking, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching overhead, pulling, pushing, kneeling, squatting, lifting up to 20lbs, and possible eye strain from computer work. The employee may be required to travel, work evenings and/or weekends.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

SAFETY
TWU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment. Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Texas Woman’s University strives to provide an educational environment that affirms the rights and dignity of each individual, fosters diversity, and encourages a respect for the differences among persons. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is considered inappropriate.

Texas Woman’s University is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, age, veteran’s status, or against qualified disabled persons.

All positions at Texas Woman’s University are deemed security sensitive requiring background checks.

To apply visit the TWU Jobs website.