Sui Mei Grierson

Sui Mei Grierson

Published April 27, 2018 This content is archived.

Each month, we'll introduce you to an interesting member of the Professional Staff Senate. This month's featured member is Mei Grierson, instructional support associate in the University Libraries.

How long have you worked at UB?

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I've worked here since September 2014, first in the Graduate School of Education's Department of Learning and Instruction, and now in the University Libraries.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My job involves working with different groups of the UB community: faculty, students, the public and personnel from various library departments. My job allows (and requires) me to apply all the skills I've learned in the past. (I've been working in cataloging, serials, circulation and acquisitions at both public and academic libraries, even in Hong Kong, so you name it!)

What's the most difficult part about your job?

Ninety percent of course reserve requests are submitted within the timeframe of one week before and two weeks after each semester starts. It can be overwhelmingly busy then. There was one time I received over 50 course (not items, but courses) requests in one weekend. Also, sometimes I need to be alert, making sure I'm in compliance with UB Libraries' course reserve copyright policy. That can be challenging because copyright issues are always judged on a case-by-case basis and seldom are there clear, black-and-white guidelines.

What would you say is your biggest achievement at UB?

I grew up in Hong Kong and never imagined one day I could live my life so differently. I think it's really amazing UB gave me an opportunity to work in the libraries as professional staff. Also, I serve the WNY community working as an interpreter for the International Institute of Buffalo. I wouldn't have been able to do that if I had not applied to UB as a graduate student and received my master's in information and library science at UB.

UB has given me the opportunity to mentor many students in their early career stages. It makes me really happy to see them acquire the skills and growth to be an excellent employee under my coaching. It makes me so proud to see them graduate and transition smoothly into their careers. Fun fact: while I'm writing this, one of my previous graduate assistants from when I worked in the Department of Learning and Instruction just came by my office to visit me. She's now an assistant professor at James Madison University! I'm so proud of her!

Tell us something about your department that isn't well known.

We will get (almost) whatever you want! Is it even a secret? We're very customer oriented and we work hard to provide requested library materials for faculty and students, either by direct purchase or interlibrary loan. Also, we hire around 100+ students to help achieve that! The access services of UB Libraries are very welcoming to new ideas and we're very open to hear what you have to say about our libraries.

If you were to share some advice for other professional staff, what would it be?

Never stop pursuing your dream; one day you will get there! Also, don't work for work, work for what you are good at!

Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?

My hobbies vary according to Buffalo weather changes: many outdoor activities in summer and mostly reading and cooking during cold weather.

Do you have a favorite meal you like to prepare?

I'm a foodie, so don't ask me for only one meal...

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Greece, those Greek islands...one day!

Any other fun facts about you?

I ran a half marathon in 2 hours, 18 minutes. It was only a one-time deal, but I'm very proud of it, so I will brag about it over and over.