Sam Hou celebrates 25 years at ACU

Library Manager, Client Services Sam Hou celebrated 25 years with ACU on 27 September by celebrating with his colleagues and friends.

Sam has been a valuable and respected member of the library community since he joined as an Acquisitions Librarian in September 1993. Based at the North Sydney Campus, Sam has worked at the three Sydney-based campuses: North Sydney, Strathfield and Castle Hill.

By 1998 the Library had undergone a restructure and the Castle Hill Campus had closed. Sam took on a new role as Reference Librarian to which he applied himself with the professionalism he is known for. During his time in this role he designed new procedures and set up e-reserve services in North Sydney.

As the Deputy Library Manager from 2002 to 2010 Sam was involved in the refurbishment of the Library, resulting in greater student group and study spaces. From 2010 to 2017 his role changed again to Campus Librarian for the Victor Couch Library at the North Sydney Campus. During this time, more refurbishment occurred, including the establishment of the Law Collection on the ground floor, launching in March 2014. Curriculum and Early Childhood collections also increased during this time as the learning and teaching roles in the North Sydney Campus expanded. It was important that Sam managed a flexible library collection and space to accommodate these needs, as well as transferring exercise science materials to Strathfield.

Sam’s role has further restructured to his current title of Library Manager, Client Services / National Manager Faculty of Law and Business. This role has increased Library support for the Faculty of Law and Business at a national level, and Sam regularly meets and guides the senior librarians supporting this area. Sam is now looking to the future of library services at the North Sydney Campus as part of the group planning the new North Sydney Library. A new initiative reaching out to the Miguel Cordero Residence has further extended University teaching and learning objectives to students.

Sam has been a popular and well-regarded member of staff, leading a team who respect his integrity and caring attitude. This was seen last year when the Library lost a long-term team member, Janette Telford, and the staff were able to support each other. His colleagues appreciate his compassion and interest in them as individuals, and value working in his team at the North Sydney Library. He has established relationships with national library colleagues and members of the broader ACU community.

Sam is to be commended for his commitment to the values and Mission of ACU and his contribution to the community. Congratulations Sam on your 25^th anniversary and your achievements over your time with ACU.