Asian American Librarians and Library Services

This substantial collection offers the first comprehensive survey of the current state of Asian Pacific American (APA) librarianship and library services. By including everything from interviews with APA librarians of note to explorations of specialized archives, librarians Clarke (Stony Brook Univ.), Pun (Fresno State), and Tong (San Diego's Central Library) take readers on a deep dive into this multifaceted area of librarianship. They divide the 43 brief essays into three parts: “Collections, Exhibits, and Resources,” “Services, Outreach, and Programming,” and “Leadership Experiences and Perspectives.” Though both public and academic libraries are discussed, the latter receive more attention. Select highlights include Michelle Lee’s profile of the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association, Gerardo Colmenar’s exploration of his role as an APA academic librarian dedicated to critical librarianship and activism for social justice, and Clarke’s interview with Cynthia del Rosario about recruiting APA library science students for the University of Washington Information School. In a profession that remains overwhelmingly white (87 percent white, according to a 2017 ALA demographic study), even as US demographics continue to shift, this book is a welcome and invaluable celebration of diversity in librarianship and library services. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, professionals. * CHOICE *
Essential reading for library and information professionals, educators, administrators, and students. * Library Journal, April 1, 2018 *
In a time of growing recognition of the need to honor cultural differences, traditions, and values, Asian American Librarians and Library Services offers a well-selected collection of essays and interviews covering resources, outreach, programming, and leadership.... The articles and interviews are authoritative, interesting, and scholarly, enhanced by occasional black-and-white photographs. Suitable—indeed necessary—for MLS programs, this is also a sound purchase for libraries with significant outreach to Asian American populations. * Booklist *
The experiences of information professionals of Asian descent is essential in the continuing dialogue of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our profession. This edited volume brings together the voices of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander librarians, archivists, and LIS educators. In addition to chapters written by well respected and emerging professionals in the field, the interviews woven throughout the book are a unique and valuable contribution. I appreciate its ambitious coverage of topics reflective of current library trends and professional practice including leadership in the profession, development and access to collections in all formats and languages, and the challenges and opportunities associated with outreach and services to Asian and Asian American populations. -- Courtney L. Young, head librarian, Penn State Greater Allegheny and ALA Past President
This volume is the outcome of an extraordinary effort to provide discussions of topics, issues, and activities directly relevant to contemporary Asian American librarianship, through the voices of leaders among Asian American librarians. -- Ling Hwey Jeng, president, Texas Library Association and professor and director, School of Library and Information Studies, Texas Woman’s University
This is a book by and about Asian American librarians that come from the depth and breadth of heritage and experience. By way of library services, they tell stories of exclusion, inclusion, expression, and preservation. The identity of our profession, work, and activism is now more complete. This must be in the hands of both Asian American Studies and Librarian/Information Services faculty! It must be in the hands of librarians and community activists! Thank you writers! -- Sandra Ríos Balderrama, former director, Office for Diversity, American Library Association and National President, REFORMA