Head of Research & Information Services (Medical Center Library)

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.

Position Purpose

The Head of Research & Information Services leads information literacy and research services at the Medical Center Library. Directly supervising a team of two librarians, this position envisions goals, sets priorities, and directs implementation for the Research and Information Services department.   This is a non-tenure track faculty position at the rank of Associate professor.

Position Summary

Key responsibilities include coordinating the provision of reference services, including literature searches, supporting research initiatives; furthering evidence-based practices toward a common goal of high-quality synthesis for clinical care and published research; and assisting medical and health sciences faculty and students in the effective use of their literature. This position coordinates and participates in the library's program of instruction and serves as liaison to one or more medical or health sciences departments. The Medical Library serves Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Public Health & Social Justice, and a College of Health Sciences.

In coordination with the Head of Research & Instruction at Pius Library, the Head is responsible for fostering relationships and engaging with university stakeholders to ensure our research and instruction activities are aligned with the University’s needs and priorities.

This position will report to the Associate Dean/Director of the Medical Center Library and serve on the Libraries Management Team, working with other leaders in the library to advance the Libraries & Museums Strategic Plan.

Leadership/Management (30%)

• Provides leadership and oversight to the Research and Information Services Department, emphasizing a user-centered approach with a focus on accessibility, equity, and inclusion.  
• Provides vision and direction for managing and aligning the MCL’s liaison program, scholarly communication and other related initiatives with Pius Library
• Collaborates with colleagues at Pius Library to develop and refine liaisons services to ensure a strong and cohesive approach that meets campus needs.  
• In conjunction with the general research library, coordinates partnerships to enhance the library’s teaching role and educational impacts.  
• Actively contributes to the Libraries Management Team 
• Participates in library strategic planning and works collaboratively with other library department heads to achieve the Libraries’ strategic goals. 
• Supervises two liaison librarians  
• Establishes and implements departmental goals, ensuring cohesive services and evaluating outcomes. 
• Provides guidance and support to direct reports through regular feedback including annual performance appraisals. 
• Represents the Medical Center Library in the absence of the Associate Dean/Director of MCL.

Teaching, Instruction, Reference and Subject Liaison (30%)

• Direct and provide reference and liaison services in support of the study, research, teaching, and clinical care needs of students, faculty, and staff, including systematic reviews.
• 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.
• 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.
• Search and teach the biomedical literature following evidence-based methodology to provide high quality search results.
• Provide instruction in the use of PubMed and other standard medical information resources.

Scholarly Communication and Open Access (30%)

• Coordinate library services related to open access, open repositories, and scholarly communication
• Actively participate in regional, national