UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES LIBRARY
www.library.uams.edu
POSITION DESCRIPTION – OUTREACH COORDINATOR
2016
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Library seeks an outgoing, knowledgeable librarian
for the position of Outreach Coordinator. The University and the Library have strong commitments to outreach
and service to the state of Arkansas, with an increasing emphasis on outreach as a hallmark of these
institutions. We are looking for a flexible team player capable of leading multi-department outreach team. This
librarian must have a positive attitude toward service and a strong ability to connect with people in a genuine
manner. It is also imperative that this librarian be able to represent UAMS, NN/LM and NLM with the utmost
professionalism.
CAMPUS SETTING
Founded in 1879, UAMS is the only academic health sciences center in Arkansas. The UAMS Library supports
the education, clinical, research, and outreach activities of six colleges (Graduate School, Health Professions,
Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health), a comprehensive medical center, and several institutes of
excellence. The UAMS Library serves the health information needs of the citizens in Pulaski County and
provides support to the rest of the state through a nationally renowned network of Regional Center Libraries
(formerly AHECs). This Library also serves as the only resource library in the state for the National Network of
Libraries of Medicine.
Faculty, staff, and students work and study in a stimulating and culturally diverse environment. Information on
the beautiful, vibrant city of Little Rock can be found at http://www.littlerock.com/.
EDUCATION & REFERENCE SERVICES (E&RS)
The E&RS faculty is a team of five librarians directly reporting to the Head of Education and Reference
Services. This faculty position participates in coverage of daily reference activities including providing one-onone end user education, teaching classes, answering reference questions, and providing assistance with basic
literature searching. This librarian coordinates the off-campus outreach activities of the Library and works
closely with other members of reference to support the educational, research, and clinical information needs of
an academic health sciences center.
All reference librarians participate as active members of the Library’s Liaison Team acting as liaison to
departments, programs or colleges as assigned. They also serve on library, university, professional and/or
public service committees and contribute to the departmental and the Library’s strategic planning processes.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
All reference librarians hold faculty status and are strongly encouraged to participate in professional activities
in a manner of their choosing. Activities may include service to local, regional or national professional
associations. Contributions to the profession’s knowledge base via original research, presentations at
conferences, consultations as a topic expert, creation of and teaching continuing education courses and/or
original publications are included. The pursuit of expertise and improvement of skills via continuing education
are encouraged for all reference librarians.
SPECIFIC OUTREACH RESPONSIBILITIES

Plans and coordinates UAMS Library’s outreach programs throughout Arkansas (exhibits and classes)
to meet designated outreach responsibilities as a Resource Library in the National Network of Libraries
of Medicine;

Manages National Network of Libraries of Medicine South Central Region (NN/LM SCR) subcontract
awards;

Compiles, writes and completes all reports and invoices (written and online), for the subcontract,
quarterly reports and outreach activity reporting system;

Prepares RFP proposals annually for NN/LM SCR Outreach Subcontract Award;

Coordinates with Library’s Administrative office to ensure timely submission of RFP & grant paperwork
and all travel requests;

Leads the Library’s Outreach Team and coordinates meetings, communication and training;

Organizes, arranges, conducts and/or coordinates volunteers for exhibits at

professional conferences of health professionals and librarians;

health fairs for the general public;

Organizes, arranges, teaches and/or coordinates volunteers to teach classes for non-affiliated health
professionals, librarians, and any target groups identified in the NN/LM subcontract;

Travels within Arkansas, as needed, (via a rental vehicle outside of Little Rock) to conduct or promote
NN/LM Outreach activities and UAMS Library resources and services;

Maintains a high level of knowledge of all NLM databases, websites and resources in order to teach
and promote them effectively;

Represents the UAMS Library at NN/LM SCR Outreach Committee meetings;

Coordinates and assists with any special projects related to outreach activities.
QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED













Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program
o Recent graduates and upcoming spring graduates are encouraged to apply
Experience providing reference services in an academic or health sciences setting
Experience providing outreach services in an academic or health sciences setting
Experience with biomedical resources and databases (including MEDLINE)
Ability to work well independently, as part of a team, and as the leader of a team
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate (verbally and in writing) with physicians,
hospital administrators, researchers and other health professionals at the colleague level
Ability to make high quality, professional presentations
Excellent program planning skills
Ability to build collegial, partnership level relationships both on and off campus
Experience utilizing social media applications, innovative communication technologies and mobile
technologies
Commitment to providing high-quality customer service
Demonstrated commitment to professional development and participation in professional activities
Valid driver’s license, willingness to travel, and ability to lift/move equipment, and exhibiting materials.
QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED











Undergraduate or graduate degree or additional training in a biomedical science field
Experience with evaluation and assessment of library resources and services
Demonstrated ability to create successful outreach plans and to oversee the design of promotional
materials, coordinate work flows, and implement projects
Experience teaching and/or making public presentations at the academic health sciences level
Experience providing NN/LM-funded outreach services (at Resource Library or Regional Medical
Library level)
Experience as a NN/LM grant writer/reviewer OR experience writing grant proposals at the academic,
NN/LM or NIH level
Experience using the NLM Outreach Application & Online Contract Reports System
Significant experience searching and teaching MEDLINE, other biomedical/health-related databases
and consumer health resources
Experience in an academic medical center and/or life sciences background
Fluency in Spanish
Fluency in any other non-English languages
POSITION BENEFITS & APPLICATION INFORMATION
Minimum salary is $45,000, commensurate with education and experience. This is a 12-month, non-tenure
track faculty appointment with a competitive benefits package with 22 days vacation, 11 holidays, and 12 days
sick leave annually, and retirement plan options including TIAA/CREF and Fidelity. UAMS will contribute an
amount equal to 5% of your salary to your retirement account; your contributions over 5% are matched by
UAMS up to 10%.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Priority will be given
to applications received by February 12, 2016. Please email a letter of application, curriculum vita, and
names of 3 professional references (with full contact information) to:
Susan Steelman, MLIS
Head of Education & Reference Services
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Library
SteelmanSusanC@uams.edu
Electronic submissions are required.
UAMS is an inclusive Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected
veterans.
Susan Steelman, M.L.I.S.
Head of Education & Reference Services
Professor
Division of Academic Affairs
Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Library
4301 W. Markham, #586
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Website:
501-686-6737
501-686-6745
SteelmanSusanC@uams.edu
www.library.uams.edu