Achievement in Library Diversity Research

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. ODLOS began designating this honor in 2004.

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. Pun and his co-editors mobilized authors to contribute their stories to reflect a diversity of experiences in the field and to provide first-hand accounts of APA librarians conducting innovative outreach service to support their communities.

“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. Additionally, Pun mentors librarians around publishing and editing books, particularly on writing about identity politics.

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. He previously worked as the First-Year Student Success Librarian at Fresno State. He is a New York native—Queens born and raised—and came to Fresno by way of New York University in Shanghai.

Pun received the commemorative plaque at the News You Can Use Diversity Research Update during the 2019 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle.