Posted 1/7/2013: Library Research Assistant, Health, Bethesda, MD

Position Title: Library Research Assistant

I have an outstanding client that is seeking a Library Research Assistant. My client develops resources, trainings and outreach programs for a variety of specific populations including minorities, health professionals and consumers. They seek a library research assistant to participate in these activities. The library research assistant will become familiar with the resources, intended audiences, and project goals and work closely with the project manager to carry out specific tasks related to development, delivery and evaluation of services.

Major Duties

The employee assists the project manager in:

Reviewing literature tasks consisting of locating, collecting, organizing, coding and summarizing online resources and research literature pertinent to specific topic areas including specific populations, health disparities, minority health, user needs, inclusion, intervention, evaluation and resource development.

Developing, coordinating, disseminating, and promoting specialized
biomedical and public health informational and educational materials and
products.

Creating and maintaining informational databases for populating research information, accessing partner profiles, and/or generating reports. The information is used in developing general principles, models, constructions, theories, and communication plans or comparable activities.

Designing, implementing, and evaluating a local public library project related to health.

Required Skills

Currently enrolled in an accredited Master's program in library and information sciences.

Experience or interest in working with specific
population groups that may include sex/gender, age, or ethnicity. This also
includes working with Federal, state and local governments, non-profit
organizations, community groups, healthcare providers, and the public.

Experience in or ability to obtain appreciation for diverse
or specific populations and to identify barriers and approaches to working with
and fostering successful communications with specific populations.

Experience or interest in participating on an interdisciplinary team of librarians, biomedical and public health professionals, computer scientists and project managers.

Knowledge of microcomputer hardware and software as related to operations for searching, creating and editing records. Knowledge of typical office applications used for word processing and spreadsheet preparation and ability to utilize these tools to support a broad range of programs and services.

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing to specific audiences.

Desire to learn and use skills under the following section "Skills  Development." 

Skills Development

The library research assistant will be given theopportunity and expected to gain skills in the following areas:

Application of theories, best practices and techniques to enhance resources including: cultural competency, adult education, plain language/writing, low literacy and ESOL, and training.

Effective use and searching of PubMed, TOXNET, and other NLM professional and consumer level health information resources.

Fundamental knowledge and practical application of social science research methods, specifically development of survey tools, focus groups, structured interviewing, coding and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.

Writing for specific audiences and venues including transferring notes into presentations, professional publication, blog and social media posts.

Performance Evaluation

The supervisor (or his/her designee) makes assignments by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines and assists the employee with unusual situations that do not have clear precedents. The employee plans and carries out assignments or projects and resolves problems or deviations in the work according to instructions, policies, previous training, or accepted communication practices. The supervisor evaluates completed work primarily for technical soundness, responsiveness, appropriateness, and conformance to policy and program requirements.

Hours and Work Environment

The successful applicant must commit to a minimum of 25 hours a week. The student can increase and decrease hours with prior approval from supervisor. The supervisor will try to accommodate the student's classroom schedule. Maximum hours a week allowed are 40.

Position is located in Bethesda, Maryland, conveniently located off of the 270/495 split. Free parking, free shuttle service to Medical Center Metro (red line), and located on the J2 and 3 bus line. There will be limited opportunities to telework.

Please email your resume with curriculum vitae to Chris Brown cbrown@sparksitsolutions.com

When applying, please mention that you saw this ad on LISjobs.com/Library Job Postings on the Internet.