Miriam Tuliao is currently a library marketing manager at Penguin Random House and an adjunct library science instructor at Queens College, Rutgers University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Formerly the assistant director of Selection at The New York Public Library, Miriam started out as a library trainee at the Tompkins Square Branch in Manhattan’s Lower East Side and held different adult services positions during her 20+ year public library career.
How long have you been an APALA member? Why have you continued to be an APALA member? Are you currently involved as an officer/committee member/other volunteer?
I discovered my professional family and home in APALA in 2010. I’m currently serving on the mentoring committee.
What aspects of librarianship are key to your personal satisfaction at work? Has that changed since you joined librarianship?
The areas of librarianship that I most interested in are readers’ advisory services, diversity and inclusion, collection development and public library management. I find tremendous satisfaction working in publishing, promoting books and supporting library staff across the country. I also enjoy teaching and mentoring new and future librarians.
If you could go back in time a few years ago to when you participate in the Member Highlights series, what would you tell your younger self?
Every day is an opportunity to promote change.
What’s next for you? If you’ve got a big move, publication, webinar, conference presentation, or social media presence that you’d like APALA members to know about, let us know here!
This summer, I’ll be raising funds for the Spectrum Scholarship program, swimming in memory of two of my early mentors, John Whitt and Lucidia Gratacos Arus. I’m grateful for what they taught me (and so many other NYPLers) about reference and community service.
This interview was conducted by Molly Higgins.