"Exploring Careers in Health Sciences Librarianship"

Jessica Petrey, Associate Director – Clinical Services, University of Louisville Kornhauser Health Sciences Library

Tiffney Gipson-Goodwin, Director, University of Kentucky Medical Center Library

The presentation will provide an overview of the field of librarianship, highlighting its diverse career paths and the unique roles within health sciences libraries, including those in academic institutions, hospitals, and research organizations. The presenters will touch on the broad scope of health sciences, encompassing fields like medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health, and the integral role libraries play in supporting information literacy for various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and students. Jessica and Tiffney will also discuss the similarities and differences between health sciences libraries and other types of libraries, the rewarding aspects of the field, opportunities for professional development, and the impact of their work on healthcare outcomes.

Ace Your Academic Interview: 8 Practical Tips for Success

Join us for a discussion on the academic interview process led by two faculty librarians with experience in position development, job ad writing, and search committee leadership. We will share strategies to help you navigate the interview process, which requires communicating your skillset effectively to a broad audience of constituents. Learn tips on how to write a cover letter that stands out, create a succinct elevator pitch for yourself, develop an outstanding presentation, and more!

Your first librarian job after your master's degree can be a daunting prospect. In this session, two early-career librarians (graduation dates 2020 and 2022) in academic roles share their experiences entering the field and offer some tips for making the most of graduate school and post-master's residency positions, starting strong in your first position, and getting involved in library research.