2018 Achievement in Library Diversity Research winner announced

Raymond Pun, doctoral student in educational leadership at California State University (CODEL), is the recipient of the 2018 American Library Association (ALA) Achievement in Library Diversity Research Honor. As part of its ongoing support of the propagation of library-based diversity research, the Diversity Research Grants Advisory Committee and the ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS) are pleased to recognize his contributions to the profession and his promotion of diversity within it. Achievement is defined as a body of work or a groundbreaking piece whose dissemination advances our understanding of or sparks new research in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Pun has conducted numerous research projects and published a series of collections, articles, and digital/print pieces in support of diversity, inclusivity and social justice in the LIS profession. Most recently, he co-edited the book Asian American Librarians and Library Services: Activism, Collaborations and Strategies with Janet H. Clarke and Monnee Tong. This is the first book on Asian-Pacific American librarians' experiences and perspectives in the field. The stories reflect a diversity of experiences in the field and provide first-hand accounts of APA librarians conducting innovative outreach service to support their communities.

Pun was named a “Mover & Shaker" by Library Journal in 2012. He was a 2014 ALA Emerging Leader sponsored by CALA. He holds an MLS degree from Queens College and an MA in East Asian Studies from Saint John’s University.

“I believe my research and publications have created new opportunities for other folks who are underrepresented in our fields to affirm that their stories and experiences matter,” shares Pun. He has written for many trade and open access publications to advocate for social justice in LIS and to share his experiences as a librarian of color.