Your name, current work place and position, and a little bit about the path that’s taken you to where you are (i.e., where else have you worked? How have you been able to grow professionally?)
Alvina Lai (they/them)
I previously worked with data at SUNY FIT and Metropolitan Opera; during that time, I enrolled in library school. I graduated from Pratt Institute with my MSLIS in 2020, overlapping with digital asset management roles at David Yurman, Carnegie Hall, and Worldwide Wildlife Fund. I also had brief roles at The New School (with digital archives) and Pratt Institute (with data).
Currently, I’m the Cybrarian / DAM Librarian at the advertising agency Craft Worldwide, McCann Worldgroup.
How long have you been an APALA member? Why have you continued to be an APALA member? Are you currently involved as an APALA officer/committee member/other volunteer?
I joined APALA as a student member in 2018. I participated in the Mentoring Program as a protégé, then served the Mentoring Committee as a Member in 2019. I’m currently serving my second year as Co-Chair.
APALA offers connection, community, information, and opportunities. I’ve benefited in immeasurable ways; I hope to give back by volunteering.
What aspects of librarianship are key to your personal satisfaction at work? Has that changed since you entered librarianship?
I’m still figuring it out! With that being said:
- Stability. Precarious labor is a problem! Stable, full-time permanent positions with benefits are essential for mental, physical, and financial wellbeing.
- Growth. Seek professional development. Don’t be bogged down by inertia. Don’t sleep on your potential.
- Community. Immensely valuable!
- Purpose. I’m redefining it every day.
If you could go back in time a few years ago, to when you participated in the Member Highlights series, what would you tell your younger self?
Speak honestly with yourself, take action untethered from fear and insecurity, and know you’re doing the best you can. Be content and go forward.
Also… rest, hydrate, eat, and exercise.
What’s next for you? If you’ve got a big move, publication, webinar, conference presentation, or social media presence that you’d like APALA members to know about, let us know here!
I’m on the contributor roster on Play the Past, where I write about LIS representation in video games.
I’m also on LinkedIn.