Health Librarian

The health librarian profession offers a number of opportunities for individuals passionate about health information seeking and dissemination. Health librarians are responsible for organizing, maintaining, and providing access to health information resources. Working with patients, the community, and healthcare professionals, they play a vital role in improving health outcomes and advancing health literacy.

Education and Training

A Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) is typically the minimum educational requirement for a career as a health librarian. Some employers may also require experience in a health-related field.

Skills and Knowledge

Health librarians must be proficient in information retrieval, research methods, and health sciences terminology. They must also be able to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

The day-to-day responsibilities of a health librarian may include:

• Providing reference services to patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers
• Developing and maintaining health information resources
• Teaching information literacy classes
• Conducting research on health information needs and trends
• Collaborating with other health professionals to improve patient care

Career Growth

Health librarians with experience and additional education may advance to leadership roles, such as:

• Health Sciences Librarian
• Director of Library Services
• Dean of a Library School

Transferable Skills

The skills developed in a health librarian career can be transferred to a variety of other careers, such as:

• Health information management
• Medical writing
• Health education
• Public health

Personal Growth Opportunities

A career as a health librarian offers the opportunity for personal growth and development in a variety of ways. Health librarians may:

• Develop their leadership skills by managing projects and supervising staff
• Expand their knowledge of health sciences and information technology through continuing education
• Make a difference in the lives of patients and healthcare professionals by providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health

Personality Traits and Personal Interests

Individuals who are successful as health librarians typically have the following personality traits and personal interests:

• Strong interest in health sciences and information seeking
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to providing high-quality customer service
• Desire to make a difference in the lives of others

Self-Guided Projects

Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a health librarian can complete a number of self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role. These projects may include:

• Volunteering at a local hospital or health center library
• Shadowing a health librarian
• Taking online courses in health sciences, information retrieval, or research methods
• Developing a portfolio of health information resources
• Writing a research paper on a health-related topic

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about the health librarian profession and develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field. Online courses can provide learners with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.

The following are some of the skills and knowledge that learners can gain from online courses:

• Information retrieval and research methods
• Health sciences terminology
• Communication skills
• Health information resources
• Health information needs and trends

While online courses can be a helpful learning tool, they are not typically sufficient to fully prepare individuals for a career as a health librarian. Additional education and experience are typically required.