Your name, current work place and position (for students, please tell us what school you’re attending and if you have chosen a specialization):
Tarida Anantachai, Syracuse University, Outreach Librarian
Where did you attend school for your MLIS degree?
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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’ve been an APALA member since 2012. As a relatively new librarian at the time, I had begun exploring various library organizations in search of a professional community. A colleague casually mentioned APALA to me, and I recall feeling an immediate spark and joined soon after! That same year, I attended JCLC 2012, where I sought out and felt immediately welcomed by all of the APALA members I met for the first time there. From that point onwards, I knew that I wanted to stay connected and contribute back to this community. I started getting involved in committees, which I’m pleased to have continued through today. Currently, I’m serving on the Literature Awards Committee for Children’s Literature.
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.
As one of the few Asian Americans in my small Midwestern town, from a young age I could feel that I was different from those around me. Even so, I regret that I didn’t fully explore my cultural identity growing up. Looking back on it now, however, I can clearly see that something within me was longing to do so; I remember eagerly clinging to, and even trying to somehow project myself in the few Asians and Asian Americans I encountered in books and popular media. It wasn’t until I was much older that I began to recognize how this paucity shaped, and perhaps even obscured my sense of self. So yeah, representation matters. ☺
I think about this in my work today, especially when I chat with Asian American and other students of color on my campus. It’s fulfilling engaging in conversations and programs that encourage them to examine their backgrounds and identities—and particularly how these relate to who they are, and who they are becoming. There’s a small part of me that also feels like, in doing so, I’m also looking back and giving a knowing nod to my childhood self.
What aspects of librarianship are key to your personal satisfaction at work. Please share some of your professional goals and interests.
A big part of what I love about librarianship is being in a profession and environment that is centered on constant learning. Whether I’m helping to facilitate discussions in the classroom or exchanging ideas with colleagues near and far, it’s really energizing to be engaged in learning opportunities every day.
Though I think this is also connected, at the end of the day, what motivates me most is my desire to help and make a positive impact on others. I derive great satisfaction in building relationships with and empowering people, from the students on my campus to the library professionals I am humbled to call my colleagues and friends. In my work, it’s really important to me to be involved in ways that support our own community of practice. It is my sincere hope that over the course of my career I can make some positive and meaningful contribution, both to our profession and to our communities at large.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m thankful not only that APALA exists, but also that it is active in supporting its members, the Asian American community, and really, all communities of color. Thanks to all of you for all that you do! I’m looking forward to getting to know and connect with more of you!
This interview was conducted by Jaena Rae Cabrera, with editorial assistance by Amanda Cheung.