Library Information Specialist
Location: Toronto-661 University
Department: Library Services
This posting is to fill a current vacancy.
To provide library services to meet the information needs of clients within PHO, the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.
To support organizational activities to support public health units.
Key Responsibilities –
- Leads the design and documentation of comprehensive bibliographic database search strategies supporting PHO knowledge products that require evidence synthesis.
- Manages a queue of literature search projects, re-prioritizing deliverables as new requests are assigned, negotiating timelines with clients, and scoping deliverables according to the level of rigour that is required and the urgency of each request.
- Provides other library services to clients, including reference service, interlibrary loans, environmental scans and current awareness services (proactively and on demand).
- Delivers 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, as well as subscription renewals and procurement.
- 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, user guides).
- Creates and manages custom information tools (e.g. databases, wikis, information/evidence 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 in PHO products).
- Supports PHO authors and provides advice and resources on the scientific publishing process, including Crown copyright protection, library orientation, assistance in the use of systems and databases, promotion of library events and drafting materials for the LS site on PHO Connect 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 providing surge capacity.
- Supervises and trains library program students
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Promotes library services and resources and provides instructional opportunities to clients through.
Knowledge and Skills –
- Highly developed literature searching skills, with the ability to design and encode exhaustive searches for complex literature retrievals which are replicable. Ability to report searches transparently and in sufficient detail that they meet the leading systematic review standards and best practices (e.g., PRISMA).
- Advanced knowledge of Canadian and international public health grey literature sources and proficiency with advanced grey literature search techniques and transparent reporting of search methods.
- 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 on-line interlibrary loan systems (e.g., Docline).
- Understanding of Evidence Based Practice (EBP) to provide access to best evidence.
- Advanced knowledge of evidence synthesis research methodologies, standards, and best practices and ability to communicate systematic review search methods and results.
- 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, and efficient application of Artificial Intelligence in research and library practice.
- Advanced knowledge of scientific publishing standards and practices, including journal article submission and review processes, transfer of copyright/licenses to publish, research impact factors, authorship guidelines, and other research and publishing administration practices.
- PC skills in Microsoft Office, internet applications, web-conferencing software, library cataloging systems, electronic databases.
Education and Experience –
- A Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an accredited institution is required.
- Minimum three years’ experience as a Librarian in a health sciences library is required.
- Expert knowledge and experience with health science bibliographic databases (e.g., MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Eric, CINAHL), the syntax of leading search platforms (e.g., Ovid, EBSCOhost, ProQuest) and controlled vocabularies (e.g., MeSH, Emtree).
Attributes and Competencies-
- Consultation and reference interview skills to accurately identify client information needs, scope research questions, identify and parse searchable concepts in the research question, and select appropriate information tools and sources.
- Oral communication and presentation skills to provide user instruction and orientation services and to teach information searching techniques to PHO staff.
- Ability to produce documents intended for senior leadership audience.
- 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 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.
- 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 technical support staff assisting in library operations.
- Mentors library practicum students .
- Coaches students and staff at PHO to ensure that literature search and synthesis methods meet the quality standards required for PHO knowledge products.
- Coaches library clients on copyright compliance and bibliographic control.
Duration: Permanent
Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week
Compensation Group:Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario
Compensation Range :$82,078.00 - $115,553.00
Posting Date: 07-9-2026
Closing Date: 07-24-2026
Please note: applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicated on the Job Requisition.
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 [email protected]. 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.
