Holyoke Consumer Health Library, Inc.
Position Description posted August 2004

Consumer Health Information Coordinator

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Coordinates the implementation of health information access modules in six sites within Holyoke, Massachusetts, including the Holyoke Public Library. Each module includes access to a virtual library (via the HCHL website), a small reference collection, and training/mentoring of staff to make effective use of these resources in serving their own clients. Consults with each Community Partner organization to assess health information needs and develop plans to meet those needs, customizing the modular service accordingly. Teaches workshops for each partner’s clients and develops model curriculum so staff can continue such workshops in future.

TERMS: An 18-month contract position; 1275 hours total (average 16 hrs per week). Grant-funded.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree from an ALA accredited library program.
• Familiarity with consumer health/medical health resources
• Working knowledge of NLM databases (e.g., MedlinePlus, PubMed)
  
• Teaching experience and ability
  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written communications
  
• Ability to work cooperatively with all levels of staff and users. Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills.
  
• Ability to meet deadlines.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience providing reference service in a public, medical, or academic library
• Spanish-speaking.
  
• Experience working with any of our target populations (health care workers, seniors, Puerto Rican youth, pregnant women, teens, people with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, etc.)
  
• Flexibility and initiative. Problem-solving skills.
  
• Ability to create and maintain webpages.
  

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and conducts training and demonstrations of MedlinePlus and other health information databases.
  
• Trains and mentors staff of the Holyoke Public Library and other Community Partner organizations in effective use of health information resources.
  
• Provides collection development recommendations to Holyoke Public Library Director in areas of health science and consumer health.
  
• Consults with each Community Partner to assess health information needs and develop plans to meet those needs, customizing the modular service accordingly.
  
• Serves as liaison between Community Partners and local libraries.
  
• Advises HCHL webmaster about website content.
  
• Monitors the CAPHIS (Consumer and Patient Health Information Service) list-serv for relevant consumer health advice from other information professionals.
  
• Promotes the use of consumer health information throughout the community.
  
• Attends meetings of HCHL planning group
  
• Reports on progress in accomplishing HCHL project goals and objectives.
  
• Plans and conducts evaluation of the project activities.
  
• Seeks funding for continuation and improvement of health information services in Holyoke.
  

SUPERVISION:
Reports to Director, Holyoke Public Library (immediate supervisor) and to President, HCHL, Inc. (Project Manager for grant). Performs independently within established strategy, objectives and principles. Operates with a high degree of independence developing and implementing actions consistent with the mission of the Holyoke Consumer Health Library project, Enhancing Consumer Access to Electronic Health Information.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and names of three references to

Sandra N. Ward
President
Holyoke Consumer Health Library, Inc.
56 Nonotuck Street
Holyoke, MA 01040-2666
Fax: 413-538-2370 Attn: S. Ward
E-mail: sward@mtholyoke.edu

www.holyokehealth.info