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)

2025 Events

South Asians in LIS
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pacific Time

See all AANHPI Heritage Month Symposia

Library and Information Science Best Practices

Best Practices from “Self-Care, Challenges, Solidarity: Asian American Women Leaders“:

• Be aware that some books about AANHPI stories and/or featuring AANHPI characters may be stereotypical and portrayed negatively, even if it was written by an AANHPI author. Refer to the expertise of folks within those communities. 
• The real movers and shakers come from grassroot community organizations. Encourage people in your library to reach out, collaborate, and harness those resources. Pass it along.
• Emphasize collaboration that moves away from individualism. Mental health is a big topic that needs more attention in AANHPI communities. It’s okay to cry, to be vulnerable, to be empathetic, to go to therapy. 
• When creating programs or designing resources, be mindful about who you are targeting and how you approach your efforts. Be intentional when using terms such as “Asian American” or “AAPI,” as not all AANHPI community members necessarily have the same experiences. 
• AANHPI history is intrinsically part of Black history, Latinx history, Native American history, LGBTQIA+ history. Histories cannot and are not segregated. Rather, they are deeply intertwined and intersectional.

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