From inter-library loans to reference desk help, assisting a travel course to sharing her knowledge in classrooms, this librarian exceeds the requirements of her title.

“I am just a librarian, an ordinary woman from China,” said the modest Xiaohong “Sheila” Hu, Document Services Librarian at Pace’s Mortola Library.

Growing up in China, Hu saw the politically restricted life that awaited her as she pursued her higher education to become a journalist.

“It was hard for news people to report what was truly important, especially as a woman researcher and reporter,” Hu said.

With new experience and opportunities in the United States, Hu began looking to new outlets of research and development. She attended Ohio University as well as Rutgers University receiving Master’s degrees in Women’s Studies and Library Studies, accomplishments she would never voluntarily boast.

“I was lucky to come to the U.S. where information seeking is so different. When I was in China, I hardly used the library because it was so cumbersome to file through hundreds of clippings in order to find background information,” Hu said. “The use of the internet here made things easier and interesting for me.”

Hu enthusiastically helps faculty and students alike at the library reference desk, where she may frequently be found, by finding journals and books needed for research. She also is in charge of all aspects of the inter-library loan system, the Worldwide Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), that Pace uses.

But Hu’s contribution to the Pace community goes far beyond Mortola Library. This past summer she served as Dr. Lawrence Hundersmarck’s assistant in the planning and execution for the tenth anniversary of his “Rome: The Eternal City” three-week travel course, where she was able to travel and experience the city with students from both Pace campuses and the professor.

“I enjoyed everything, every part of it; working with Dr. H. and listening to him; and working with young people, so fresh, interesting, and full of beauty and vitality,” said Hu recalling fond memories of her trip to Rome.“The sound, the sky and the city itself, which is eternal, it is an unforgettable experience.”

For Hu, it does not matter as much that people know what she has done, but can appreciate that information and libraries in particular extend outside of the walls.

“My favorite thing is to see those I help grow and experience more in research and with life,” Hu said. “It’s rewarding to see people come in time and time again, watching them mature on their journeys of discovery.”

Sheila Hu is a resource in the library available to students, and she is always willing to assist any student or faculty member with their research needs.