HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARIAN



Health sciences librarians help practitioners find the information they need for patient care, education, research and administration. They are skilled in the use of computer databases for finding medical and health information and teaching people how to use the databases. Health sciences librarians select and purchase books, journals and other material and organize this information into collections. They also may develop catalogs for access to collections, provide reference assistance, establish electronic and digital database information systems, coordinate and control budgets as well as supervise library staff.

Education

Most jobs require a masters degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program. Continuing education courses in a variety of topics such as technology is recommended.

Registration/Certification/Licensure

No certification is required but health sciences librarians may become members of the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) through the Medical Library Association.

Salary

$25,000-37,000

Employment Opportunities

Health sciences librarians usually work in hospitals or universities. Some are employed in medical related industries or are self-employed as consultants.

Programs

University of Kentucky, School of Library and Information Science (859) 257-8876

Professional Association

Medical Library Association
65 East Wacker Place
Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60601-7298
(312) 419-9094
 


Last updated:  February 3, 2003