Your name, pronouns, 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?)
My name is Tina Chan (she/her). I work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a social sciences librarian. I previously worked at Syracuse University and the State University of New York at Oswego. I am fortunate that each institution I have worked at has been supportive of my professional development and growth.
How long have you been an APALA member? Why have you continued to be an APALA member?
I have been an APALA member since 2007, when I was a library student and an ALA Spectrum Scholar. I took advantage of APALA’s free one-year student membership for ALA Spectrum Scholars. I am happy that APALA continues to offer this benefit for ALA Spectrum Scholars after all these years. I continue to be an APALA member as I enjoy working on APALA committees, meeting fellow members, and advancing APALA’s purpose and core values.
What aspects of library work do you find most compelling? Has that changed since you entered the field?
I entered the field to help people find the information they need. Oftentimes, they find information they didn’t know they needed. This aspect of my work has not changed. I enjoy helping people in any way I can, and supporting their research needs.
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 past self?
This question is a good one for me as I do not do enough reflection, which means I had to think about what I would tell myself back then. I would tell my past self to not worry about everything because everything will turn out okay. All of the pieces of the puzzle will come together, and all the worrying was for naught.
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 am taking it in stride and learning my role as APALA Vice President/President-Elect. APALA has a fantastic Executive Board that I can lean on for support, which will help me next year when I become President.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
APALA has a special place in my heart. I am grateful to everyone I have met throughout the years at conferences, committees, and events. I learned so much from everyone and I am thankful for all of you. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about APALA or how I can support you.
Consider checking out Tina’s Member Highlight from 2021!