Your name, current work place and position (for students, please tell us what school you’re attending and if you have chosen a specialization):
Tina Chan, MIT Libraries, Reference Services Program Manager and Social Sciences Librarian
Where did you attend school for your MLIS degree?
Simmons College
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 a member since 2007. I heard of APALA when I was selected as a Spectrum Scholar that year. I joined APALA as they offered a free one-year membership for Spectrum Scholars and to meet other APA librarians and library workers. I became involved with APALA committees, and enjoyed it so much that I am a lifetime member.
I have been involved with several committees through the years. This year I am a member of the scholarships and awards 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 a Chinese American cisgender woman. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
What aspects of librarianship are key to your personal satisfaction at work? Please share some of your professional goals and interests.
I enjoy assisting students, faculty, and staff with their research. I find satisfaction when I make positive contributions with the people I am helping. I learn from them as much as they learn from me.
Work-life balance and self-care are very important to me, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having work-life balance and practicing self-care keeps me grounded and puts my personal and professional lives in perspective.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I participated in Member Highlights in 2012 when APALA sponsored me as an ALA Emerging Leader. I was an early career librarian at a different institution. I will always be thankful for this opportunity and the many other opportunities APALA has afforded me!
If you want to meet other APA librarians and library workers, join an APALA committee and attend their events. APALA is a fantastic organization to be professionally involved and to network and share your experiences!