Theresa A. Rienzo, BSN, RN, MS, MLIS, AHIP 
Associate Librarian, Health Sciences 
James E. Toblin Library 
Molloy University 

Editor’s note: On a regular basis, we publish profiles of librarians who have been an integral part of Doody Enterprises, whether they have served on our Library Board of Advisors, as a Librarian Selector for Doody’s Core Titles, or on the editorial board/as a List Selector for Doody’s Special Topics Lists. This month, we are profiling a librarian who has served as a Librarian Selector for Doody’s Core Titles since 2020: Theresa Rienzo of Molloy University.    

Where do you currently work and what is your position? 

I am the Associate Librarian, Health Sciences at Molloy University (formerly Molloy College) in Rockville Centre, NY. I provide library instruction, academic reference, and collection development to support students from undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in all disciplines, as well as faculty. I specialize in the health sciences disciplines. 

Provide a brief description of your library and its services. 

The James E. Tobin Library at Molloy University supports Molloy students, faculty, and staff. Degreed librarians are always available to provide individualized assistance to students and faculty across multiple service points and locations. During the fall and spring semesters, the main library is open 84 hours a week, and a librarian is available 40 hours a week at the Suffolk Center. Reference librarians and virtual chat services are available during these hours for research assistance to anyone on or off campus. Students or faculty from any location are welcome to take advantage of the library’s instructional services by requesting group or individualized in-person or virtual instruction sessions with a librarian by submitting an online form. 

When did you start in health sciences librarianship?  What was your position? With what institution? 

I am a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science (MS) with a concentration in healthcare management, and Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS). I am a distinguished member of the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) and a specialist in Consumer Health Information. I am a member of the Medical Library Association. I worked as an RN in several positions from staff nurse to department director and received my MLIS in 2005. I began working in a public library system and in 2008, I started as an Associate Librarian at Molloy College, changing titles along the way, but always concentrating in health sciences, until my current position, Associate Librarian, Health Sciences at Molloy University. 

Name two of the most important issues facing the profession today. 

The most important issues facing the library profession today are dealing with misinformation and showing/guiding our library patrons to find the correct information. Librarians are needed for our patrons to do quality research, assimilate information, and help those who entrust their care to the health sciences professions. 

What is one innovation, product, or service in your library that you’re excited about? 

I am excited about Alma and Primo VE. Alma is a state-of-the-art, cloud-based library services platform and Primo VE is a discovery system designed for compatibility with Alma. These systems offer opportunities to explore future pathways for placing the James E. Tobin Library at the center of research and knowledge management for Molloy University. Alma is designed for collaboration and integration with various essential campus services. 

Why do you contribute as a DCT Librarian Selector? 

I contribute the knowledge and expertise I have gained over my career as both a registered nurse and a librarian and I am happy to share it with others. 

Anything else you’d like to share? 

No information is useless. It may not be what you need/want, but it can prevent you from going down a path that is not relevant to your search. You need to explore and be aware of all information and opinions, even if they prove to be unsupported or incorrect. Defending a dissertation requires not only supporting your conclusions, but also defending against other opinions that may not conform to your own.