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Maybe you were the kind of kid who hung out in libraries and read the encyclopedia for fun — even when you weren't working on a class assignment. Now that you’re older, you still enjoy libraries, love to learn and are intrigued by technology. You like working with people, and you’re fascinated with healthcare.

If this describes you, then maybe you should consider a career in medical librarianship.

Serving Patients And Clinicians

Medical librarians specialize in the retrieval, evaluation, organization and dissemination of health information. They help busy healthcare professionals find reliable and up-to-date information about medical treatments, clinical trials, tests and equipment.

“Our work makes a real difference in patient outcomes, and it saves time for clinicians and helps them stay better informed,” says Sharon Kambeitz, coordinator of library outreach services for Allina Health System.”

Kambeitz works with small hospitals in rural Minnesota and western Wisconsin that have no librarian on staff. Once a year she visits each hospital, reviews its medical reference material and makes suggestions for updating the collection.

During her visit, she provides continuing education for the clinical staff. In these classes, she explores topics such as when it's appropriate to use Google, how to use common databases or how best to work with Allina's librarians via phone, e-mail or fax. She may also work one-on-one with staff members to demonstrate efficient search strategies or introduce a specialized resource.

"This work really appeals to the teacher part of me," Kambeitz says. "I love sharing tips and strategies that help other people learn."

A Whole World Of Resources

At the University of Minnesota, Karla Block, associate librarian at Health Sciences Libraries, works with professors who want to integrate the use of particular resources into their course. She shows students how to locate the best evidence in the research literature and helps them find materials for patient education. Block also teaches faculty and students how to evaluate resources such as databases and clinical decision-making tools.

"We have a whole world of resources. These include the Internet, data bases, e-journals and tools such as an interactive anatomy program," she says.

Education And Outlook

Medical librarians need a master's degree in library and information science. A background in science or healthcare is recommended but not required. Employers prefer librarians who are credentialed by the Academy of Health Information Professionals.

In addition to hospitals and universities, medical librarians work in consumer health libraries, providing information to patients and the general public. Others work in government agencies, research centers and foundations. Jobs also exist in healthcare-related industries like insurance, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

"Job opportunities in the metro area fluctuate from year to year," says Block, who also teaches library science at the College of St. Catherine. Nationally, however, prospects are good. Many jobs are expected to open up in the next decade as librarians retire.

According to the Medical Library Association, www.mlanet.org, the average starting salary in 2005 was $40,832.

The average for all librarians was nearly $60,000. Medical library directors can earn up to $158,000.