Library Research Specialist

About the role

The Library Research Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the research, teaching, and scholarly mission of Rocky Vista University. This position is based within the library and works directly under the supervision of the Library Research Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Provides individualized and group research support across all stages of the scholarly process, including helping users refine research topics, conducting literature searches, navigating databases and digital resources, and supporting scholarly writing and publication efforts.
• Regularly assists with journal article submissions, case reports, book chapters, grant proposals, and other forms of scholarly output.
• Offers reference services in both virtual and in-person formats, with an emphasis on responsive, informed, and user-centered support.
• Contributes to the development of instructional materials and helps facilitate educational sessions and workshops on topics such as research methods, database navigation, citation management, and publication strategies.
• Assists in the development and delivery of library instruction sessions and workshops focused on research skills, information literacy, and the effective use of medical and academic resources.
• Contributes to the creation and ongoing maintenance of subject-specific research guides and instructional materials that support curricular and research needs.
• Stays current on developments in library science, research methodologies, scholarly publishing, and educational technologies.
• Facilitates access services for the campus library, including circulation, reserves, and basic interlibrary loan functions.
• Affords assistance to patrons in locating and utilizing both physical and electronic resources, including point-of-care tools, clinical databases, eBooks, and journals relevant to osteopathic medicine and the health sciences.
• Assists in the collection, organization, and reporting on scholarly activity data, including bibliographic output and research impact measures for institutional assessment and accreditation purposes.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience.
• One (1) - three (3) years experience in a library setting.
• Strong research skills, a deep understanding of information resources in the health sciences.
• Familiarity with citation management tools, academic publishing workflows, and evidence-based medical research is highly desirable.
• Intermediate level of computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to multi-task effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to work effectively, cohesively, and professionally in a team-based environment.
• Ability to lift 25 lb. boxes, maneuver book carts, and shelve books.
• Ability to read and interpret technical instructions related to computer use, photocopiers, phones, and office and library software.

Qualifications

• MLIS or research background.

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision insurance.
• 2 weeks (minimum) accrued paid vacation days per year.
• 12 accrued sick days per year.
• Personal days.
• 13 ½ paid holidays.
• 401(K) match up to 7% based on employee’s contribution.

Pay

SALARY: $21.85 to $25.00+ per hour, the posted salary range represents the minimum to the midpoint within RVU’s compensation plan. RVU’s full compensation structure provides a minimum to a maximum range. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skill, knowledge, experience, education, and credentials.

Schedule

Primary purpose of the position is to provide individualized and group research support across all stages of the scholarly process, including helping users refine research topics, conducting literature searches, navigating databases and digital resources, and supporting scholarly writing and publication efforts. Regularly assists with journal article submissions, case reports, book chapters, grant proposals, and other forms of scholarly output. They also offer reference services in both virtual and in-person formats, with an emphasis on responsive, informed, and user-centered support. C ontributes to the development of instructional materials and helps facilitate educational sessions and workshops on topics such as research methods, database navigation, citation management, and publication strategies. The specialist may also assist in collecting, organizing, and reporting on scholarly activity data, including bibliographic output and research impact measures for institutional assessment and accreditation purposes. Provide in-depth research and reference assistance to students, faculty, and staff across all stages of the scholarly process, including topic development, database navigation, literature searching, and citation management. Support scholarly communication by assisting with publication strategies, journal selection, open access options, and grant proposal preparation. Coordinate and oversee access services for the campus library, including circulation, reserves, and basic interlibrary loan functions. Assist patrons in locating and utilizing both physical and electronic resources, including point-of-care tools, clinical databases, eBooks, and journals relevant to osteopathic medicine and the health sciences. Assist in the development and delivery of library instruction sessions and workshops focused on research skills, information literacy, and the effective use of medical and academic resources. Contribute to the creation and ongoing maintenance of subject-specific research guides and instructional materials that support curricular and research needs. Stay current on developments in library science, research methodologies, scholarly publishing, and educational technologies. Actively contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating new tools, services, and practices that could enhance library services and improve user access to research support. Facilitate access services for the campus library, including circulation, reserves, and basic interlibrary loan functions. Assist patrons in locating and utilizing both physical and electronic resources, including point-of-care tools, clinical databases, eBooks, and journals relevant to osteopathic medicine and the health sciences.

Skills

• Strong research skills, a deep understanding of information resources in the health sciences.
• Familiarity with citation management tools, academic publishing workflows, and evidence-based medical research is highly desirable.
• Strong communicative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills, including ability to communicate with diverse audiences.
• Ability to respond to situations independently, or identify when managerial support is needed.
• Intermediate level of computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to multi-task effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to work effectively, cohesively, and professionally in a team-based environment.
• Ability to lift 25 lb. boxes, maneuver book carts, and shelve books.
• Ability to read and interpret technical instructions related to computer use, photocopiers, phones, and office and library software.