8 - Diversity and sensitivity in the workplace: understanding Asian Pacific American staff

Abstract

This chapter aims to provide a deeper understanding of Asian Pacific American (APA) staff (both librarians and library assistants) in academic libraries. Based on the author’s and others’ experience and the existing literature, the author focuses on the complex and diverse identities of APAs that relate to workplace culture: experiences of refugees and immigrants and those with mixed heritage, the “model minority” stereotypes, linguistic diversity, and accents. The chapter concludes with recommendations for best practices and future research on recruitment and retention of APA library staff in academic libraries, including fostering cultural competency and intelligence and providing adequate mentoring support.