- Your name, current work place and position (for students, please tell us what school you’re attending and if you have chosen a specialization):
Ngoc-Yen (Yen) Tran, San Jose State University, Research Impact Librarian and library liaison to biological sciences, chemistry, geology, meteorology & climate science, and physics & astronomy
- Where did you attend school for your MLIS degree?
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- How long have you been an APALA member? Why did you first join? Are you currently involved as an officer/committee member/other volunteer?
I have been an APALA member since 2008. Because librarianship is such a white profession, I joined as a way to meet other Asian Pacific American librarians and to support the BIPOC communities. After a few years as a member, I wanted to strengthen the association by being involved; since I’ve joined, I have been on the Literature Awards Committee, Newsletter & Publications Committee, and most recently co-chairing the Finances & Fundraising Committee.
- We’re very interested in the diversity of ethnic/cultural heritage within APALA. Please share your ethnic/cultural heritage with us and any other background information, as desired.
I am Vietnamese. My family immigrated to the U.S. when I was very young. Growing up, my parents immersed me in our cultural heritage, including signing me up for Vietnamese language and history classes held on the weekends. While I hated it at the time, as an adult I am thankful to them for doing this
5. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I work in an academic library and providing help to students, especially those who identify as BIPOC or are first-generation, transfer, or returning students, brings me the greatest personal satisfaction at work. Without teachers, librarians, and a diverse peer-group who supported me along my academic journey, I would not be where I am professionally.