Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History and Cultural Heritage

In June 1977, United States House Representatives’ Norman Mineta and Frank Horton introduced a resolution proclaiming that the first ten days of May should be designated as Asian Pacific Heritage Week. Thirteen years later, the United States designated the entire month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, commemorating the rich history and cultural legacy of our Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. 

AAPI identity is globally and culturally diverse. LIS professionals continue to play a significant role in addressing a range of information needs and advocacy work. (source: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month)

2023 Events

Self-Care, Challenges, Solidarity: Asian American Women Leaders
Friday, May 26, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pacific Time

Please join us in a conversation with Asian American women leaders about finding self-care and solidarity in the midst of LIS challenges as part of the May 2023 EDI Online Symposium for National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Symposia

In May 2022, the SJSU iSchool hosted a symposium for National Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month titled, “An Authentic Lens: Understanding and Supporting the Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Community.” The symposium opened with a keynote address by 2021-2022 ALA President Patty Wong. Following the keynote presentation, symposium panelists shared their thoughts on the diverse needs of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Library and Information Science Best Practices

Best Practices from “An Authentic Lens: Understanding and Supporting the Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Community”:

• There are so many distinct groups within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community that carry their own histories and cultures.
• Create more seats at the table for BIPOC to have their voices heard. 
• Provide specific resources that are tailored for your local community groups, rather than lumping people’s experiences into a single collective. 
• Actively challenge stereotypes and unconscious biases in the library.

Community Profiles

• Leading by Example: Being a Woman in Informatics with Diana Tran-Yee
• Empowering Communities through Digital Library Services with Kristen Chua
• Jerome Zhang on Mastering the Art of Informatics
• Post Master’s Certificate Student Presents on Book to Action Program at CLA Conference

• MLIS Student Joy Kim Expands Experience with Multiple Internships
• Providing Accessibility and Connectivity Drives Global iSchool Student

Professional Associations

• Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
• Asian/Pacific American Library Association

• Chinese American Librarians Association
• Hawai’i Library Association

Bibliography

• Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: iSchool Presents Online Symposium May 26
• Resources to Combat Anti-Asian Violence
• Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• Graduation Speakers Announced for iSchool’s Virtual Convocation: ALA President Patty Wong and Air Force Chief Data Officer Eileen M. Vidrine to Deliver Speeches
• iSchool Director Anthony Chow Elected to CLA Board of Directors

Videos