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?)?
My name is Ngoc-Yen (Yen) Tran (she/her). My librarian journey has brought me up and down the west coast, finally landing me in the same city where it all began. I received my MLIS from the University of Washington, was the library fellow at UC Santa Barbara, the manager for collection development and science librarian at California Lutheran University, the student engagement and residence hall librarian at University of Oregon, research impact and sciences librarian at San Jose State University, and currently the coordinator for teaching and learning at Seattle University. All of these positions have helped me to grow more confident as an academic librarian by giving me opportunities to learn and try new things, develop or enhance my skills, and to meet wonderful colleagues who supported me.
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 was introduced to APALA in my first library position in 2008 by a colleague, and joined as a way to meet other Asian Pacific American librarians and to support the BIPOC communities. Since then, I have served on a variety of committees, including currently serving on the Executive Board as a member-at-large. I continue to be an APALA member and to invest my time and energies because the organization has become my home, always welcoming me and providing me with opportunities for friendship and mentorship, professional learning and growth, and personal satisfaction.
What aspects of librarianship are key to your personal satisfaction at work? Has that changed since you entered librarianship?
I became a librarian to support students. Providing help to students and faculty members, especially those who identify as BIPOC, is key to my personal satisfaction at work. Throughout the years, as I interact with and support more BIPOC students and faculty, my personal satisfaction has only increased.
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?
I was first highlighted as a member in October 2020. I would tell my younger self that having a baby really does change everything. Be kind to yourself; as much as you want to do it all, you should only do the things that matter most to you; and advocate for what you need so that you can find a true work-life balance.
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!
Two colleagues and I recently sent out a call for chapter proposals for an ACRL Press edited work titled, “Creating an Inclusive Library: Approaches for Increasing Outreach, Engagement, and Use with BIPOC Students.” We strongly encourage library workers of color and those from underrepresented groups to provide their perspectives for this edited work, and hope that APALA members will contribute their voices.