What is a Medical Librarian Job?
A medical librarian job is a specialized position within the field of librarianship that focuses on serving the information needs of healthcare professionals and researchers. Medical librarians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, medical schools, research institutions, and government agencies. They are responsible for organizing and managing collections of medical literature and resources, providing research assistance to clinicians and researchers, and developing and delivering training programs on the use of medical information resources.
What do Medical Librarians Usually Do in This Position?
In a medical librarian job, the primary responsibilities include managing the library's collections and resources, providing research assistance to healthcare professionals and researchers, and developing and delivering training programs on the use of medical information resources. Additionally, medical librarians are responsible for staying up-to-date with the latest advances in medical research and information technology, as well as ensuring that the library's collections and resources are accessible and easy to use.
Top 5 Skills for the Position:
- Strong research skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Expertise in medical terminology and classification systems
- Proficiency in database management and information technology
- Ability to collaborate and work in a team environment
How to Become a Medical Librarian?
To become a medical librarian, candidates typically need a master's degree in library science or information science, with a specialization in medical librarianship. Many programs also require practical experience in a medical library setting, as well as proficiency in medical terminology and classification systems. Additionally, certification from the Medical Library Association (MLA) can be beneficial for job seekers in this field.
Average Salary:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for librarians, including medical librarians, was $59,050 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, education, and location.
Roles and Types:
There are a variety of roles and types of medical librarian jobs, including positions in academic medical libraries, hospital libraries, research institutions, and government agencies. Some common job titles in this field include medical librarian, health sciences librarian, and biomedical information specialist. Additionally, medical librarians may specialize in areas such as clinical research, patient education, or information technology.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA:
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest levels of employment for librarians, including medical librarians, as of May 2020 were:
- California
- New York
- Texas
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
What are the Typical Tools?
Medical librarians use a variety of tools and resources to manage collections, provide research assistance, and develop training programs. Some common tools and resources in this field include medical databases such as PubMed and MEDLINE, reference management software such as EndNote and Zotero, and communication tools such as email and chat.
In Conclusion:
A medical librarian job is a specialized position within the field of librarianship that requires strong research skills, expertise in medical terminology and classification systems, and proficiency in database management and information technology. To become a medical librarian, candidates typically need a master's degree in library science or information science, with a specialization in medical librarianship. Salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, education, and location, and there are a variety of roles and types of medical librarian jobs available in a range of settings.