Medical Librarian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the role of medical librarians is increasingly crucial.

With advancements in medical research and technology, there is an escalating demand for individuals who can efficiently manage, curate, and disseminate medical information.

But let’s demystify this profession: What’s truly expected from a medical librarian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to comprehend the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the complexities of medical librarianship,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable medical librarian job description template, structured for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Medical Librarian Duties and Responsibilities

Medical Librarians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, providing medical information and resources to healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients.

They are responsible for organizing and managing health information in various formats, both physical and digital.

The duties and responsibilities of a Medical Librarian include:

• Acquire, manage and organize medical books, journals, and other resources
• Assist medical professionals, researchers, and patients in finding and using medical literature and information
• Evaluate and select medical literature for the library collection
• Provide instruction on how to access and use medical information resources
• Develop and manage databases of medical literature and patient information
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in medical research and information technology
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to support patient care and research projects
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in managing patient information
• Participate in educational programs and professional associations to enhance knowledge and skills

 

Medical Librarian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Medical Librarian to join our team.

The Medical Librarian is responsible for managing health sciences collections, participating in the development of instructional materials, and providing reference and research support to healthcare providers.

The successful candidate will be familiar with modern library procedures, databases, and medical terminologies, and will have a passion for delivering quality services to our stakeholders.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the organization’s collection of medical books, journals, and documents
• Assist medical professionals, students, and researchers with literature searches and reference questions
• Develop and implement library policies and procedures
• Conduct training sessions to educate users on how to access and utilize library resources
• Collaborate with other medical librarians to share resources and knowledge
• Stay updated on the latest health information resources and technologies
• Participate in collection development activities
• Provide research support and instruction in evidence-based practice

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program
• Experience in a health sciences library or similar environment
• Knowledge of medical terminologies and databases
• Proficient in the use of digital library systems
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

 

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• On-site wellness facilities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Medical Librarian
• Work Environment: Hospital or University Library setting
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Library Services
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Medical Librarian Do?

Medical Librarians, also known as health information professionals, primarily work in hospitals, medical schools, public health agencies, or pharmaceutical companies.

They play a crucial role in the healthcare sector by providing accurate, timely, and appropriate information to healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, students, and the public.

Medical Librarians are experts at finding and organizing information, often through medical databases and journals.

They help healthcare professionals identify the best and most recent medical research, aiding in diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient care.

They also conduct training sessions on how to effectively use different medical databases and resources, and may assist in designing and managing healthcare information systems.

In addition, they may be responsible for the acquisition, cataloguing, and maintenance of medical literature and materials, whether in print or digital formats.

Medical Librarians also promote health literacy, provide consumer health information services, and work with patients to help them understand their medical conditions and treatment options.

In some instances, they may be involved in research or medical writing, helping professionals to write, edit and publish medical research papers, reports, or grant applications.

Overall, a Medical Librarian is a vital link between complex medical information and those who need it to make informed healthcare decisions.

 

Medical Librarian Qualifications and Skills

A Medical Librarian is an important link between medical knowledge and health professionals, patients or researchers.

The following skills and qualifications are essential for this role:

• Must hold a master’s degree in Library Science, preferably with a concentration in medical or health informatics.
• Experience in a clinical or scientific research setting is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology and resources, including medical databases and other digital resources.
• Excellent research skills to assist doctors, nurses, researchers, and students in finding relevant medical information.
• Ability to critically appraise and filter relevant information from a vast amount of medical literature.
• Effective communication skills to clearly explain research findings and discuss complex medical information with various audiences.
• Strong organizational skills for cataloging and classifying medical information resources.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse groups including healthcare professionals, researchers, students, and patients.
• Technology skills to manage and operate library software and digital resources, and keep up with the latest trends in medical informatics.
• Customer service skills to provide professional assistance to library users, answer queries, and guide users on how to use library resources effectively.

 

Medical Librarian Experience Requirements

To become a Medical Librarian, individuals typically need to earn a Master’s Degree in Library Science, with a focus on medical or health informatics.

Practical experience is often gained through internships or part-time roles in medical libraries during their postgraduate education.

Entry-level Medical Librarian roles generally require 1 to 2 years of experience in a library setting, preferably medical or health-related.

This experience can often be gained through previous roles such as Library Assistant, Research Assistant, or through volunteer work in a medical library.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are typically considered for more advanced roles.

By this point, they have likely developed their skills and knowledge in medical librarianship, health informatics, and possibly in teaching or research roles.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered for leadership positions such as Head of Medical Library or Information Services, or similar roles.

They are expected to have a deeper understanding of medical literature, research methods, and the ability to manage staff and oversee the day-to-day operations of the library.

 

Medical Librarian Education and Training Requirements

Medical Librarians typically need a master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or Information Science (MIS).

Many employers prefer candidates who also have a background in the medical or health sciences, such as a second master’s degree in Public Health, Biology or Nursing, or a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.

Medical Librarians need to be familiar with medical terminology and have a strong understanding of the healthcare industry.

They should also be well-versed in health informatics and data management.

Some roles may require Medical Librarians to have specialized training in areas such as health literacy, patient education, or evidence-based medicine.

Professional certifications, such as the Medical Library Association’s (MLA) Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) certification, may also be advantageous.

Continuing education is also important in this role, as Medical Librarians must stay updated on advancements in healthcare, medical research, and library science.

 

Medical Librarian Salary Expectations

A Medical Librarian earns an average salary of $59,050 (USD) per year.

The actual income may vary depending on the level of experience, education, geographical location, and the hiring healthcare institution.

 

Medical Librarian Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Medical Librarian need?

Medical Librarians should have strong research and analytical skills to effectively locate and manage medical information resources.

They should also have a solid understanding of medical terminologies, principles, and practices.

Technical skills, such as proficiency in database management and digital librarianship, are essential.

Additionally, strong communication skills are necessary for explaining complex information to non-specialists.

 

Do Medical Librarians need a degree?

Yes, Medical Librarians typically need a master’s degree in library science (MLS) from an accredited institution.

Some also have a degree or coursework in the health sciences, which can be beneficial for understanding medical terminologies and concepts.

Some roles may require a certification from the Medical Library Association (MLA) or similar organizations.

 

What should you look for in a Medical Librarian resume?

The resume of a Medical Librarian should highlight their educational qualifications, including any specializations in health or medical library science.

Look for experience in managing medical resources, conducting research, and providing information services in a healthcare or academic setting.

Skills in information technology and database management should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Medical Librarian?

A good Medical Librarian is detail-oriented and has a strong aptitude for research.

They should be adaptable and comfortable with technology, as the field requires regular use of digital resources and databases.

The ability to work independently and as part of a team is crucial.

Additionally, they should have excellent interpersonal skills to interact with a variety of users, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and students.

 

Is it difficult to hire Medical Librarians?

The challenge of hiring Medical Librarians can depend on various factors, such as the specific requirements of the role and the availability of qualified candidates.

While there are professionals trained in this specialized field, finding candidates with the right blend of library science skills and medical knowledge can be demanding.

Offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the truth about being a medical librarian.

Surprised?

It’s not just about cataloging books.

It’s about nurturing the health information landscape, one resource at a time.

With our comprehensive medical librarian job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or honing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every piece of information is part of a larger health narrative.

Let’s shape that narrative. Together.

How to Become a Medical Librarian (Complete Guide)

Bizarre Beyond Belief: Jobs You Won’t Believe Exist

Market Must-Haves: The Jobs That Are Trending Now

Confronting Chaos: What the Most Stressful Jobs Teach Us About Resilience!

Beyond Bravery: What Drives People to Dangerous Jobs