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Any advice for underrepresented minority studying in Library Science graduate program?

I am a Cambodian American student studying Library Science in Fall 2020. Some of the challenges I am facing is the lack of diversity I seek in the program. As a minority of one of the underserved community in the U.S., I wonder if there are any resources or communities in the library field I can connect with? #asianamerican #southeastasian #libraryscience #JULY20

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Cynthia’s Answer

I'm excited for you entering library science. It's a great field. I think this is a field with lots of opportunities. And it sounds like you have an idea of how to connect your experiences as an urban Asian American, libraries, and diversity. Great! If you are entering a graduate MLS program in fall 2020 that might be different than starting a BA/BS degree. But in both directions, I'm thinking that what you need to locate are your peers. Where are librarians connecting who are interested in diversity issues? Probably some professional group, Facebook group, or something like that.

I did a google search " professional librarian organizations of color" and got lots of interesting hits. A book called Where are all the Librarians of Color....with lots of chapters of interest. Joint Council of Librarians of Color. Chinese American Librarian Association. etc. etc.

So start with a google search. Reach out. Join. Get email newsletters. Connect with people and ask your questions to others who are concerned about the same issues. Find mentors. Get involved. Professionals love young students who love what they love. Explore this network. This is networking and everyone wins.
Thank you comment icon and once you start school. volunteer or work as an intern or student helper in your university library. University librarians are quite specialized and you'll find people there as well. Cynthia Goldberg
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Jeffrey’s Answer

Hello Chan,

I have a Masters degree in Library Science. Do you know what type of librarianship you want to practice and in what type of organization? There are many professional organizations geared towards different types of librarianship like the American Library Association and the Special Library Association. These associations have groups for people with similar interests or backgrounds to get together. You should probably go to their websites and learn about what they offer.

How about faculty members at your school. They probably have advise for you. You might ask at your school whether there were recent graduates with a similar cultural background as you have. Maybe you can connect with them to learn about network opportunities.

LinkedIn might also be a place to meet librarians with similar backgrounds as yours.

Good luck,

Jeff
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