Biological Sciences Consultant

John Crerar Library

Mentors

Barbara Kern, Co-Director of the Science Libraries, University of Chicago
Alan Thomas, Associate Vice President and Director of Center for Technology Development and Ventures

Background

The University of Chicago’s John Crerar Library is a large, modern research library in the science and medicine campus that supports the work of scholars, students, scientists, and physicians. The Crerar Library provides access to a rich collection of digital science resources and is home to more than 1.4 million volumes in the biological, medical and physical sciences as well as collections in general science and the philosophy and history of science, medicine, and technology. The Library’s mission is to provide comprehensive resources and services in support of the research, teaching, and learning needs of the University community. The John Crerar Library is interested in understanding the research and teaching needs of faculty, students and staff in the Biological Sciences Division and, based on that need, potentially creating new library programs and services. A particular area of focus is bioinformatics.

Specific Objectives

• The intern will investigate the need for bioinformatics support from the library in the BSD and create a business case for the creation of new services and/or changes to existing services, including benefits and challenges.

• The intern will contribute to the Library’s goals of collaboration, supporting instruction, being knowledgeable about new technologies, etc.

• At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will have gained experience in developing a business case, including identifying market segments with unmet needs and creating a cost-benefit analysis.

Qualifications

The successful intern will have a strong desire to gain experience understanding and creating a business case and the ability to work collaboratively.  The intern must be able to take independent initiative and have a willingness to communicate with others throughout the Library and the BSD.

Your application must include a current CV and a cover letter describing why this internship is relevant to your career goals.