Assistant Director for Research & Information Services

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

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Position Purpose

The Assistant Director is responsible for the daily management of the Medical Center Library’s Reference Department and the overall coordination of the Medical Center Library’s public services. The Assistant Director for Research and Information Services is responsible for managing and supervising department faculty librarians and reports to the Medical Center Library Director & Associate Dean.

The incumbent oversees reference services, including assisting medical and health care faculty and students in the effective use of their literature; facilitates and participates in the library's program of instruction; serves as liaison to one or more medical or health sciences departments, and oversees and manages the library’s liaison program. In conjunction with other librarian faculty and with the Associate Dean of Collections & Strategy and the Head of Electronic Resources, the Assistant Director develops library journal, book, and database collections.

Responsibilities include:

Reference and Liaison Services:

• Direct and provide reference and liaison services in support of the study, research, teaching, and clinical care needs of students, faculty, and staff.
• Coordinate and oversee the delivery of reference and information services in-person, by phone, e-mail, chat, and other means of inquiry.
• Lead an integrated library liaison outreach program to library users.
• Maintain active collegial relationships with faculty, students, administration, and other clienteles. 
• Initiate service improvements and enhancements. Facilitate effective collaboration among library service units.

Teaching and Instruction:

• Coordinate education and outreach services to library users.
• Develop and provide course-integrated education and library classes.  
• Oversee instruction for the Medical Information Management (MIM) course for incoming first-year medical students and advanced required and elective courses for medical students and other clienteles.
• Coordinate development of online tutorials and other electronic teaching materials.

Collection Development and Access:

• Work with librarian colleagues MCL and Pius to develop collections that effectively support the study, research, teaching, and clinical needs of faculty, students, and staff
• Coordinate internally and with the Associate Dean of Collections and Strategy to review journal, book, and databases collections
• Work with the Associate of Collections & Strategy and the Head of Electronic Resources to gather usage statistics and other data relevant to collections assessment
• Maintain effective contacts with librarian colleagues at Pius, faculty, students, alumni and others

Supervision and Management:

• Train and supervise librarian faculty and staff in providing effective reference and education services.
• Determine work assignments, procedures, and schedules to ensure optimal provision of services.
• Supervise and evaluate reference faculty and head of access services to achieve individual goals and objectives, to collectively achieve department and library goals, and to foster continuous professional development.
• Work with other public services staff to develop new programs and to revise existing programs to best meet user needs. Assist in hiring and evaluating staff.
• Represent the Medical Center Library in the absence of the Director.

Service, Scholarship, and Professional Development:

• Serves on committees and task forces at the department, Libraries, and University level
• Participates in local, state, and national/international professional and scholarly societies and organizations.

Required Qualifications

• An American Library Association-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS/MSIS).
• 5 to 7 years biomedical reference experience, including training and managing staff to work productively within deadlines in a collegial environment of rapid development and change.
• Strong user-centered approach to reference services.
• Motivation for continuous professional development and for growth as a faculty member. 
• Ability to search and teach the biomedical literature following evidence-based methodology to provide high quality search results.
• Biomedical education and technical skills, including demonstrated knowledge in the use of PubMed and other standard medical information resources.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to and support for equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Subject master’s degree or PhD in related field

Items requested as part of the application process

1. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment 
Reflecting Jesuit values of inclusive academic excellence, the Libraries & Museums at Saint Louis University are committed to building a diverse and equitable workplace where members from all backgrounds can thrive. We view diversity as based on one's ability, age, gender, culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background, among other elements. Equity involves fairness, such as treating people equitably while recognizing people's needs may differ, and social justice for those marginalized in society. Inclusion means creating a welcoming environment and ensuring conditions for full and meaningful participation so that all people feel valued as members of the Libraries & Museums and the wider University community. 

Please describe in around 250 words your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and how you would contribute to these priorities at Saint Louis University. 

2. All applications must include a cover letter addressing qualifications for the position, curriculum vita and three current professional references.

Function

Nonmedical Primary Appointment 12 mo.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.