Open access helps to remove barriers to knowledge, making information available to everyone regardless of academic affiliation or financial means. Access to reliable, evidence-based health information is a pivotal step in the continued fight for health equity. This session will work to highlight open access health resources that can empower both researchers and community members. We will introduce key resources, including community education tools, journals, databases, and datasets that support equitable research and informed public health engagement. We will also provide a brief demonstration of how to download and access health datasets.

This event is part of Open Access Week 2025.

Presenter bios: 

Jordan Kaufman, MSIS, is an Assistant Professor and Research Data Librarian. Jordan supports the research data management and sharing needs of the UT community. This includes effectively finding, describing, preserving, and sharing data. Jordan also assists in developing data management plans, supporting grant proposals, and collaborating with campus offices to advance the university's research mission. Her research interests include: researchers’ behaviors and perceptions, user-experience, and therapy dogs in academic libraries.

Charles Barthel, MSIS, AHIP is a Research Assistant Professor and Health Sciences Librarian. He provides instruction and research support to the College of Nursing and the Departments of Audiology & Speech Pathology, Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport Studies, Nutrition, and Public Health. Charles is passionate about library support for research methodologies, including evidence synthesis and evidence-based practice, as well as community-based interventions in digital and health literacy.