Synergistic Collaboration in Public Libraries: Building Bridges in the Asian American Community to Celebrate APIA Heritage Month

Abstract

National cultural heritage months often highlight superficial elements such as food, arts, crafts, and music, but behind these celebrations lie generations of pioneers who have shaped the historical and cultural heritage of America. Over the past seven years, in championing cultural awareness, the San Francisco Public Library has collaborated with the Asian American Studies Department at San Francisco State University, The Association of Chinese Teachers, and other community organizations to commemorate Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Heritage Month every year in May. This annual program illustrates how efforts led by APIAs have contributed to the historical, cultural, and literary landscape of America, affording them the recognition they deserve. Multicollaborative efforts led to the creation of a premiere APIA Biography Project (apiabiography.sfsu.edu) – a digital repository of instructional resources that educators across the nation can adapt to their curriculum. By bridging collaboration, public engagement, and community partnerships, public libraries unify multiple constituencies to educate the public on the diverse communities they serve.

Citation

Dear, J. (2021), "Synergistic Collaboration in Public Libraries: Building Bridges in the Asian American Community to Celebrate APIA Heritage Month", Hill, R.F. (Ed.) Hope and a Future: Perspectives on the Impact that Librarians and Libraries Have on Our World (Advances in Librarianship, Vol. 48), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 113-121. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0065-283020210000048012