This issue of the APA Newsletter features Suzanne Levy. She serves as the Authority Control Coordinator in the Metadata Management Unit for the main MSU Library.
How long have you been at MSU?
Prior to working at MSU I was a graduate student in the Department of History, earning a Master of Arts in 1979.   I was also a graduate assistant in the University Archives & Historical Collections for a year, as well as a teaching assistant for a number of years. I did some work toward my Ph.D. but basically ran out of steam and funds at about the same time. I worked odd jobs in the area until 1984 when I was hired in as clerk in the serials unit in the Main Library.
Have you been a member of APA the whole time?
I have worked at MSU in excess of thirty years. I have only been an APA for the last few years, but regardless of my union affiliation here at MSU I have always been a strong and vocal union member and supporter, perhaps due to my upbringing in the labor capitol of Detroit. During the CTU strike of 1987 (?) I was a picket captain and was proud to see the strike through to a positive outcome.
Can you tell me a little bit about what you do?
I have been the authority control coordinator for the MSU Libraries since 1989. The best way to describe what I do is quality control for the Libraries’ various databases. It is a very complex and challenging position and I love my work here. I have been blessed to have great supervisors who basically have given me a good deal of latitude in my work. As the libraries have migrated from a paper card catalog to an online catalog my job has evolved dramatically and I was re-classed as an APA a few years ago. And since then my work has further grown in complexity. I am strictly a behind the scenes person, but you can see elements  of my work/job are in all aspects of the catalog and this enable our patrons to access our holdings to make the best use of their time here at the libraries.
What do you love about working at MSU?
I consider MSU to be my family. The University has treated me well, given me a great education and a wonderful work life. I couldn’t ask for a better situation of work, friends and colleagues. My dedication to this, my family, is evidenced in the number of endowments I have established both at the library and Vet College.
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
When I am not at work I enjoy music in all forms, playing and listening. I love to go to the hear the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and am glad we have at MSU a world class venue such as the Wharton Center for a broad range of cultural events. I am a member of the Broad and enjoy going to shows there as well. Additionally,  I play mandolin and guitar, learning the former and teaching the latter. I am a bookworm and a blogger and a fabulous cook. I have three cats and I believe this qualifies me as the quintessential library employee.