Meet Sue Kaczor, Public Health Subject Librarian

Sue sits at a table in the library. She is wearing a pink blouse and holds an encyclopedia of public health.

Sue Kaczor is the public health subject librarian at the UAlbany Libraries. Her expertise has aided countless students, faculty and staff, and everyone at the School of Public Health appreciates her hard work and dedication! Today, we'd like to share a little bit more about Sue, and encourage you to take advantage of the services offered by the University Libraries. 

 

What do you do as the public health subject librarian?

My work as a public health subject librarian falls roughly in two categories – developing public health library collections and helping students access those collections. The vast majority of our journals on public health topics are available online to students by searching by journal title on the library web page. To support searching for journal articles, I have assembled a number of public health related databases. Also, I am always on the lookout for books that would be useful for students in public health working on papers and research. These books are available in print or online formats.

 

When should students reach out to you?

I encourage students to reach out to me if they have a public health related question on information sources, or if they are starting a paper, project or systematic review, and need some advice on databases, finding journal articles or other materials. For a quick question, I can usually help them over email. I am also glad to meet virtually with students over Zoom for longer questions. I can be reached at [email protected].

 

What library services should students make sure to utilize?

One of the biggest services that we provide to students that they may not know about is Interlibrary Loan. This fast, free service provides e-articles that students need that are not available in our online or print collections. Also, we have a 24/7 chat reference service that is great for quick questions! Find it on our library web page - on the far right side.

 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I have to say that the most rewarding part of my job is working with students and providing them with the information and directions that help them succeed.

 

Why did you want to become a librarian?

I have always loved books and biology. Combining them together seemed to be a natural fit for me!

 

What amazing books have you recently read?  

I have to admit that in the last year I have been reading mysteries set in exotic locales, such as Key West, New Orleans and Charleston – nothing like a quick escape!