Insights from a UC San Diego Science Librarian

This month we had a chance to interview one of the UC San Diego Library’s expert science librarians, Deborah Kegel.DKonly2014
We asked Deborah five questions to learn more about her work, favorite research tip, what she’s reading, and what music she’s listening to right now.
1.  Describe what you do at the UC San Diego Library?
I’m the Librarian for Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy, and the Physical Sciences & Engineering Reference Coordinator.
Working closely with the respective academic departments on campus, as well as faculty and students, my position is responsible for identifying and purchasing library materials and databases for these subject areas to support research, teaching and learning at UC San Diego. I also provide specialized research assistance in the Library, and online, and create unique webguides to help facilitate effective use of the myriad of research tools and library materials in these subject areas.
2.  What inspires you most about your job?
I most enjoy assisting students and faculty during the research process. It’s like being on the College Bowl team – you never know what someone will ask and you have to use your knowledge & experience to figure out where to look for the answer.  Teaching someone how to find the information is what I strive to do, so that, the next time, they’ll have acquired new knowledge and skills through the encounter that will enable them to research and find the information they are seeking more easily and quickly.
3.  Do you have a favorite research tip to share?
To locate the best, most-recent, and/or most accurate information, try a variety of resources, starting with the databases we recommend in your subject area. Often people think they can find the highest quality information in Google, but that’s usually not the case. Also, try searching in more than one of our specialized databases on your research topic and Ask a Librarian when you have questions. We can save you time and help you locate exactly what you need.
4.  What are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just finished Invisible Country: A Mystery by Annamaria Alfieri,  a fictional murder mystery set in 1860’s Paraguay. And, I was immersed in All the Light We Cannot See, a novel by Anthony Doerr that contains history, science, engineering and intrigue, all set in WWII France and Germany.
5.  What’s playing in your music library right now?
Emmylou Harris’ “Songs of the West”.  I’m also streaming classical and folk music available from the Classical Music Library.
https://library.ucsd.edu/news-events/qa-with-a-uc-san-diego-science-librarian/
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