Library Information Specialist

JR101809

Library Information Specialist

Location: Toronto-661 University

Department: Library Services

The Role:

To provide library services to meet the information needs of clients within PHO, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and other stakeholders.
To support developmental components of Knowledge Services activities to support public health units.

Key Responsibilities –

• Provides library services to clients, including reference service, literature searches, interlibrary loans, environmental scans and current awareness services. Provides completed information products (e.g. literature search results, listing of reference materials, articles) in response to client requests in appropriate format as per library policies and procedures.
• Supports library collection development through the conduct of user needs analyses; selection, acquisition, cataloguing/indexing and processing of new materials; development of the collection catalogue and annual inventory.
• Provides user instruction and orientation services for new staff and teaching of knowledge-based information searching techniques as requested.
• Works collaboratively with the Manager and library colleagues in the development of information program, services, systems and products in support of the PHO strategy and within the Library Services goals and objectives and in the library-led development and introduction of innovative and technologically advanced library services and systems (e.g., Virtual Library Gateway, electronic system for internal access to library resources via library internet).
• Creates and manages bibliographic databases and custom information tools (e.g. databases, wikis, pathfinders, tutorials, RefWorks accounts).
• Provides library expertise and consultative advice in support of Library Service knowledge management initiatives (e.g. building of repositories, taxonomies and metadata, bibliographic control and copyright compliance).
• Promotes library services and resources and provides instructional opportunities to clients through library orientation, assistance in the use of systems and databases, promotion of library events and drafting materials for the newsletter and website.
• Works collaboratively with other public health libraries in the province on assigned projects and supports the operations of the provincial shared library services partnership.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills –

• Knowledge of library service standards, policies and procedures, science and information science theories, principles and practices and current and emerging trends and practices in health sciences library requirements to deliver information services.
• Cataloguing skills and knowledge of Medical Library Association guidelines and the Library of Congress (LC) classification scheme and subject headings and Library of Congress, MARC, AACR and IRDA cataloguing standards to ensure compliance with professional standards and guidelines.
• Knowledge of online searching of commercial databases and web resources: PubMed, EBSCO and Ovid platforms (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Eric, CINAHL, ASP, Cochrane DSR, Health Business Elite etc.) and other health and social sciences databases.
• Knowledge of on-line interlibrary loan systems (e.g., Docline).
• Understanding of Evidence Based Practice (EBP) to provide access to best evidence.
• Knowledge of the concepts of information organization, storage, retrieval and transfer, including electronic platforms for information delivery and the application of computer, instructional, and other information management technologies.
• Knowledge of the field of public health sufficient to meet the specific needs of PHO staff and stakeholders including knowledge of Grey Literature in health sciences field.
• Knowledge of current and emerging technology and skills in the use and capabilities of a range of automated library information systems and electronic information resources including specialized library specific databases and software applications, e-resource management, resources and web architecture to support the existing innovative and technologically advanced library services and systems and skills in a SharePoint environment.
• PC skills in Microsoft Office, internet applications, web-conferencing software, library cataloging systems, electronic databases.

Education and Experience –

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an accredited institution required.
• Minimum three years’ experience as a Librarian required, preferably in a health sciences library.

Attributes and Competencies-

• Oral communication and customer service skills to provide library services and consultative advice in support of PHO projects and diverse stakeholder’s knowledge management needs and project initiatives.
• Presentation skills to provide user instruction and orientation services and to teach information searching techniques to PHO staff.
• Written communication skills to prepare clients’ end-products & deliverables library-specific documents and products and related resource materials including business cases for acquisition of library resources, reports, literature search results.
• Works with the Manager to determine the strategy necessary to meet the diverse information needs of PHO program staff.
• Conducts user needs analyses and delivers comprehensive and evidence-based services and products to meet the diverse and specialized information needs of the designated clientele.
• Works within the framework of PHO strategic directions and the operating plan and the principles and practices of library science, Medical Library Association guidelines and Canadian Health Libraries Association framework.
• Works with the Manager in the development and implementation of library operation policies and procedures including researching best practices and drafting policies.
• Balances traditional librarian skills in organizing and selecting information resources with technological skills in knowledge management to make information readily accessible and useful for defined groups with similar information needs.
• Provides in-depth reference services and comprehensive literature searches on a variety of databases in health and social sciences as well as legal and government documents.
• Works with the Manager to assess the library’s programs, services, systems and products to meet the strategy of the PHO and the stakeholders.
• Provides research and health information to clients both within PHO and stakeholders who rely on the latest scientific information to make informed decisions impacting the health care system.
• Determines ways to minimize costs associated with various research/investigative processes using technological resources.
• Works collaboratively with other public health libraries in the province on assigned projects and supports the operations of the provincial shared library services partnership.
• Provides support and guidance to library support staff assisting in library operations.

Duration: Contract (Fixed Term), 14 month(s)

Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week

Compensation Group:Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario

Salary :$78,122.00 - $109,985.00

Posting Date: 06-10-2025

Closing Date: 06-25-2025

Please note:

Note: Internal candidates will be considered first.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.

PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to HR_Inquiries@oahpp.ca. Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 14 months

Pay: $78,122.00-$109,985.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON M5G 1M1