Consumer Health Librarian - Health Sciences Library

Position Overview

Consumer Health Librarian – Health Sciences Library

Department:
Health Sciences | Library

This full‑time, non‑faculty staff librarian position serves in the Library for Health Information (LHI), a patient‑ and family‑focused resource center within the Ohio State University Health Sciences Library. The role operates both virtually and onsite and reports through the Health Sciences Library, funded by the OSU Wexner Medical Center.

• Lead, implement, administer, teach, and evaluate library services and programs for LHI and its satellite units supporting the OSU Health System.
• Strategically plan, implement, execute, and assess all LHI operations, resources, and services, coordinating budget oversight with funding units.
• Promote and market library resources, services, and learning opportunities; implement new technologies and supervise library volunteer staff.
• Participate as a member of the Health Sciences Library’s Outreach and Collection department.
• Select, acquire, and maintain a small collection of consumer health print and electronic materials for distribution in person, electronically, or via self‑service literature racks.
• Consult and provide consumer health information services to patients, families, and the community virtually, via phone, email, mobile kiosks, or in person.
• Maintain an online guide of trusted consumer health information sources for the public.
• Provide educational/health‑literacy consultations and classes to patients, families, and the community, including occasional group instruction.
• Collaborate with medical students, residents, nurses, and clinicians to build awareness of LHI services and resources, and participate in up to five local outreach events per year.
• Maintain usage statistics and evaluate resources and services as needed; partner with James patient education department for service offerings and volunteer training.
• Initiate, participate in, and promote performance‑improvement, evaluation, and research activities related to patient/family education and health literacy.

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Master’s degree in Library Sciences from an ALA‑accredited university.
• Academic or hospital library experience.
• Completion of MLA Consumer Health Information Specialization.

• At least 6 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of consumer health resources and familiarity with searching health‑sciences databases.
• Familiarity with health‑literacy principles.
• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Comfort with technologies such as M365 Teams, social media, online meeting platforms, and emerging technologies such as AI.
• Proficient in providing high‑quality reference and/or customer service via virtual means while also comfortable working in an in‑person hospital environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• 8–12 years of relevant experience.
• Project management and development experience.
• Library instruction and/or community outreach experience.
• Ability to transport, stock, and distribute print literature and other items to free‑standing information racks in medical‑center locations or outreach events.

• Location:
  
  Prior Hall (0302)
• Position Type:
  Regular
• Scheduled
  
  Hours:
  
  40 hours per week
• Shift: First Shift
• Background check required; a drug screen or physical may be required during the post‑offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. The Ohio State University is a Title IX adjudicatory body.