- Your name, current work place and position (for students, please tell us what school you’re attending and if you have chosen a specialization):
Alvina Lai, New York City, a short-term digital asset management consultant at World Wildlife Fund. In my previous life, I was in non-profit operations.
- Where did you attend school for your MLIS degree?
Pratt Institute, New York City. I graduated in May 2020.
- How long have you been an APALA member? Why did you first join? Are you currently involved as an officer/committee member/other volunteer?
In Spring 2018, before I started my first semester, I attended a presentation about and by Asian Pacific American librarians. They talked about the struggle of having to constantly explain to people that Asian American is different from Asian. They also talked about the need to be critical of whiteness in librarianship. In my mind, the clouds parted. Whoa, you know?
Soon after the presentation, a panelist reached out to me and suggested I join APALA. The student rate was affordable (still is!) so I signed up in Fall 2018. I also applied for the Mentoring Program as a protege. After participating in the Mentoring Program, I joined the Mentoring Committee. After the service year ended, I started helping out as Chair of the Mentoring Committee. Speaking of which, ahem:
If I listed every APALA member who has blessed me with their kindness, knowledge, and generosity, I would have no time to write about anything else! There are library students and early-career professionals out there right now that can use that guidance, too. I encourage all experienced librarians to participate as mentors in the Mentorship Program. You can make a difference!
- 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 a first-gen Chinese American (they/them). Some people use the term ABC (American Born Chinese) or, in Cantonese, jook sing. Reclaim it! Own it!
I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Brooklyn. I’ve been in New York City most of my life.
Speaking of New York City, there are a lot of APALA members in the area. When possible, we visit museums, have holiday events, and do things at Comic Con. Just putting it out there!
5. What aspects of librarianship are key to your personal satisfaction at work. Please share some of your professional goals and interests.
In any profession, but particularly in librarianship, there is an opportunity to create change. There’s a chance to foster growth, empathy, and equity. In my personal sphere, I feel the impact of those who help Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ communities and communities who suffer from wealth inequality, and it encourages me to help and advocate as well.
There is also a chance to learn about oneself, overcome insecurities, and practice self-love and self-care.
My professional goal is to promote these ideas and carry out these actions in a consistent and sustainable way. We do this by making programs, providing resources, creating spaces, advocating, representing, and connecting with people and ourselves.
6. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Participate in the Mentorship Program!