Knowledge Synthesis and Medical Liaison Librarian

Knowledge Synthesis and Medical Liaison Librarian

Woodward Library | UBC Vancouver Campus

Full-Time, ongoing Librarian position

Anticipated start date: February 1, 2022

UBC LIBRARY 

The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions, two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), one off-site hospital library, and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre – a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility. The Library’s collection of 9.1M volumes includes 5.5M physical items, 3.6M ebooks, electronic journals, maps, audio, DVD/video and graphic materials, and bibliographic and fulltext databases. Almost 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning. Learn more about the UBC Library Strategic Plan and explore our aspirational values. 

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY 

The Knowledge Synthesis/Medical Liaison Librarian develops and provides support and instruction in collaboration with UBC librarians and other colleagues for library-related aspects of knowledge syntheses (e.g. systematic reviews, scoping reviews, etc.) to support learning and research at the University of British Columbia. The individual plays a lead role on the Woodward team in coordinating support for knowledge synthesis in all disciplines at Woodward and the Biomedical Branch Library. The individual provides expertise and directly supports knowledge synthesis that will encompass departments across the health sciences faculties. In a team environment the individual provides in depth reference and instruction to post-graduate residents and fellows, graduate students, faculty and staff in the Faculty of Medicine, and participates in the development and assessment of collections. As a member of the UBC Library team, the Librarian plans and implements services that respond to the changing needs of the user communities. The individual participates in the development of library policy, procedures, and services. The individual assumes responsibility for coordination and management of staff, services or projects as required. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. The nature and scope of responsibilities for this and other library positions are expected to change as the Library organization evolves. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate degree from an accredited programme in Library Science.

• Minimum one year of professional experience in a health sciences library setting.
• In depth knowledge of one or more knowledge synthesis methodologies.
• Demonstrated research skills and experience in conducting or participating in knowledge syntheses, including systematic or scoping reviews.
• Knowledge of key databases, information sources, citation management software, and screening tools used in medicine and health sciences.
• Experience in literature searching and search strategy development in an academic and/or clinical setting.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the design and delivery of instruction in different contexts (individual vs. group, in person vs. online, synchronous vs. asynchronous).
• Evidence of a proactive, user-centred vision of services.
• Experience building productive relationships and working collegially with a diverse population of colleagues, faculty and students.
• Demonstrated ability in problem solving and decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust and accommodate to changing demands within Libraries and academic institutions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of reporting guidelines and/or standards such as PRISMA, PRESS, Cochrane, etc.
• Experience or knowledge of the stages of the academic research process from grant application through to publication.
• Experience coordinating, delivering and promoting a library service or resources in collaboration with colleagues and involving other service providers.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan and carry out projects, both independently and as a member of a team.
• Embraces curiosity, ideas, creativity and innovation, pursues opportunities, and explores new initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in professional development opportunities throughout career.
• Active memberships with professional organizations and groups.
• An academic background in health/medical sciences or equivalent knowledge gained through practical experience.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Head, Woodward Library and Biomedical Branch Library or their designate, and consults with librarian and staff colleagues as required. Collaborates with colleagues from multiple branches through the Systematic Review Community of Practice. Works with colleagues in other UBC Library units as required. May be required to supervise student librarians, student assistants, and library assistants for assigned projects or for group-related functions. Develops and maintains connections with teaching hospitals and other academic librarians.

DUTIES

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

• Works to integrate EDI into public services, instruction, collection development, and overall professional practice by working to eliminate institutional and structural systems of oppression and power (such as colonialism, racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, and white supremacy).
• Contributes to the continued development of a library environment and culture that supports and celebrates equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Supports EDI by pursuing appropriate professional development opportunities and maintains an awareness of EDI initiatives at the departmental, campus, institutional and provincial level such as but not limited to UBC’s Inclusion Action Plan and Indigenous Strategic Plan.

 KNOWLEDGE SYNTHESES (E.G. SYSTEMATIC, SCOPING AND RELATED REVIEWS)

• In collaboration with UBC librarians and other colleagues, develops and provides support and instruction for library-related aspects of knowledge syntheses to support learning and research at the University of British Columbia.
• Takes a lead coordination role on the Woodward team for knowledge syntheses. This includes triaging and referring questions to librarians, coordinating instruction, promoting librarian expertise and resources, and investigating new resources and tools.
• Provides expertise in knowledge synthesis that will encompass departments across the health sciences faculties. Works directly with faculty, staff, students and other researchers to support their knowledge syntheses. This includes providing guidance on the development of protocols, creating and documenting expert literature searches, validation and peer review of information retrieval strategies, adhering to reporting guidelines, and advising on standards and methods.
• Plays an active role in the UBC Library Systematic Review Community of Practice, identifying training opportunities for colleagues, exploring ways to streamline existing services.
• Forms relationships and establishes partnerships with faculty and departmental stakeholders on campus and within clinical and research institute settings.
• Actively engages in conversations and forums around knowledge synthesis methodologies, reporting guidelines, standards and trends on a national and international basis.

 REFERENCE AND RESEARCH SUPPORT

• Provides reference and research services to University of British Columbia students, staff and faculty members; and members of the public.
• Provides in-depth research consultations for medicine and health sciences.
• Works with others to develop and maintain the Woodward Library presence on the UBC Library website.

 INSTRUCTION

• Designs and delivers instruction with an emphasis on evidence-based practice and knowledge synthesis.
• Develops instructional materials for faculty and students, including web-based subject research guides.
• Participates in the Library’s outreach and instruction programs.

 FACULTY LIAISON

• Initiates and maintains contact with faculty in assigned departments.
• Informs faculty of services and instruction offered to complement research, teaching and learning.
• Selects print and electronic materials to support assigned liaison areas.
• Liaises with faculty on issues of collection development.
• Responds to faculty requests for accreditation, new course proposals, etc., in consultation with the Head of Woodward Library.
• Attends faculty meetings and participates in faculty committees.

 ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION

• Interprets and communicates UBC Library policies and procedures to faculty, staff, and students and keeps up-to-date on the latest library policies and procedures.
• Participates on UBC Library teams, working groups, and communities of practice to further the Library’s strategic directions.
• Participates on University or Faculty-level committees as appropriate.
• May be assigned coordination of reference or instruction services within Woodward Library: reference desk, hiring and supervising of student librarians, teaching and instruction, web presence, subject guides and/or information guides, etc.

 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND SCHOLARSHIP

• Accepts responsibility for personal continuing professional education.
• Willingly develops and maintains skills, and assumes appropriate leadership relevant to the position.
• Keeps up-to-date on developments in library service, resources and technology and on broader issues that affect the practice of librarianship.
• Participates in appropriate professional organizations.
• Engages in professional development, scholarly and service activities under the terms of the Collective Agreement.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

Effective and professional reference and research services. Current and comprehensive knowledge of methodologies, databases, and tools for systematic, scoping and other related knowledge syntheses. Effective instruction for multiple audiences and using different delivery modes (in person, online, synchronous, asynchronous). Effective use of latest technology in all aspects of the position. Innovative and creative approach to improvement of services. Ability to develop strong relationships with faculty and maintain excellent working relations with all user groups. Responsive to needs of faculty, students, and other users. Effective supervision of student assistants as required. Effective, cooperative working relationships with support staff, colleagues and managers, and librarians in the health authorities. Knowledgeable about UBC health programs and research. Familiar with UBC library policies, procedures and operations, and appropriately interprets them to users.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY

This is a full-time continuing appointment with an anticipated start date of February 1, 2022. The start date is flexible depending on candidate requirements. If eligible and qualified, the successful applicant may be appointed with a confirmed appointment. Otherwise, there will be an initial three-year probationary appointment. Normally, such an appointment is reviewed following the second year of appointment, and a recommendation is made at that time to grant or not to grant a confirmed appointment. The successful candidate for this position will be a member of The University of British Columbia Faculty Association and the terms and conditions of appointment are governed by a collective agreement. This position will be filled at an annual starting salary that is in accordance with the Collective Agreement between UBC and the UBC Faculty Association (http://www.hr.ubc.ca/faculty-relations/collective-agreements/). We are seeking applications from Librarians with up to 6 years of experience. However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply. We welcome colleagues with the experiences and competencies that can contribute to our principles of inclusion, equity, and diversity. Applications will include: a detailed and current curriculum vitae; and a letter of application that includes a statement of citizenship/immigration status and indicates the candidate's education, training and work experience in the areas listed above. One consolidated PDF is preferred. Due to the closing date of this competition occurring during the holiday season, candidates who are invited to be interviewed will be contacted in January 2022. 

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

To view the complete job description and to submit an application, please visit the UBC Careers page at https://hr.ubc.ca/careers-and-job-postings by midnight on December 16, 2021.

Learn More »