Your name, current work place and position (for students, please tell us what school you’re attending and if you have chosen a specialization):
Alanna Aiko Moore, University of California, San Diego, Librarian for Ethnic Studies, Gender Studies and Sociology and Library Liaison to the Campus Community Centers
Where did you attend school for your MLIS degree?
Dominican University, River Forest, IL
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 joined APALA in 2004 and am currently a lifetime member. I am the past Co-Chair of the Program Planning Committee (2017), past APALA representative to the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (2006-2012), past Member at Large to the Executive Board,(2012-2014) and past Chair of the Research and Travel Grants Committee (2007-2010).
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 mixed race/multi-racial with Japanese, Native American and white heritage. I was born and raised in Hawai’i and am fourth generation Japanese on my maternal side. I identify as a cis-gender female and a queer person of color.
What aspects of librarianship are key to your personal satisfaction at work. Please share some of your professional goals and interests.
As a queer woman of color librarian, my research focuses on cross-cultural mentoring, intersectionality, diversity and social justice in librarianship and breaking the barriers and the invisibility of marginalized people in our profession.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
APALA is an incredible organization, filled with inspiring members and leaders and I am so proud to be a part of it!
This interview was conducted by Jaena Rae Cabrera, with editorial assistance by Molly Higgins.