A History of the OC Public Libraries System and Orange County's Vietnamese Community, 1975-Present: This research paper explores the relationship between the OC Public Libraries (OCPL) system and Orange County’s Vietnamese population in Little Saigon from 1975 to the present. It makes use of books, oral histories, archival materials, peer-reviewed journal articles, master’s theses, and reference materials to bring the history to life, illuminating Vietnamese life in the diaspora and the shifts in library services to immigrants and refugees following the war. Today, Vietnamese language materials, cultural celebrations, programming, and archival collections are commonplace in branches of OCPL serving Little Saigon and its neighbor cities, but the literature is lacking in-depth studies that would reveal crucial insights about the community’s perceptions of the library and information needs. This research paper addresses these gaps and proposes avenues for further research.

Kim Hoang is a second-year MLIS student at San Jose State University. She currently works as a public library paraprofessional serving San Diego County. Her experience and love for public libraries has led her to pursue a career as a children’s librarian. She hopes to support families and their children by providing literacy-rich experiences and fostering a love of public libraries and learning. Her passion for sustainability, equity of access, and library services for diverse communities also inform her career interests. Before coming to San Jose State University, she received her bachelor’s degree in history from UC San Diego. Outside of school and work, she enjoys knitting, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and family.