Holyoke Consumer Health Library, Inc.
Position Description posted August 10, 2005

Consumer Health Information Coordinator

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Coordinates the implementation of health information access modules at five sites within Holyoke, Massachusetts, including the Holyoke Public Library and the Holyoke Health Center. Each module includes access to a virtual library (via the HCHL website: www.holyokehealth.info), 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: A grant-funded contract position; up to 850 hours on existing grant; expectation of future grants. Part-time; flexible.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree from an ALA accredited library program or significant progress towards such degree
• Familiarity with consumer health/medical health resources
• Interest in health/medical librarianship
• 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:

• 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.
  
• 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.
  
• Monitors email from other appropriate professional groups (e.g., MAHSLIN, NAHSL, and Western Massachusetts Health Information Consortium)
  
• 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 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.

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

Phone: 413-532-4306
E-mail: sward@mtholyoke.edu

www.holyokehealth.info