The Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) Best Research Awards Subcommittee (2024-2025) is pleased to announce that Jia Mi, Electronic Resources and Serials Librarian at the R. Barbara Gitenstein Library, The College of New Jersey, is the recipient of the 2025 Sheila Suen Lai Research Grant.
Jia Mi is recognized for her research project titled:
Language Representation and Bias in Large Language Models: A Comparative Study of Chinese and English for Equitable AI in Libraries
Her timely and critical research investigates how large language models handle linguistic representation and bias across languages, with a focus on Chinese and English. The project aims to inform more equitable and inclusive AI integration in library systems and services—an increasingly important area as libraries navigate the evolving role of artificial intelligence in information access and discovery.
The purpose of Sheila Suen Lai Research Grant is to encourage CALA members to engage in research activities that contribute towards the library and information science and are related to Chinese American Librarianship particularly.
Please join us in congratulating Jia Mi on this well-deserved recognition.
Sincerely,
CALA Best Research Awards Subcommittee (2024-2025)
The Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) Best Research Awards Subcommittee (2024-2025) is proud to announce that Dr. Jinxuan Ma, Associate Professor at the School of Library & Information Management, Emporia State University, is the recipient of the 2025 Sally C. Tseng’s Professional Development Grant.
Dr. Ma is recognized for her research project titled:
A longitudinal analysis of how reading habits influence the health outcomes of older adult readers
Her work explores the intersection of literacy, aging, and public health, and promises to make valuable contributions to both library services for older adults and broader interdisciplinary scholarship. This research highlights the vital role libraries can play in supporting the well-being of aging populations through sustained engagement with reading.
The Sally C. Tseng Professional Development Grant was established to support CALA members in advancing their professional growth through innovative research, training, and educational activities. It reflects CALA’s ongoing commitment to nurturing excellence, leadership, and service in the field of librarianship.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ma on receiving this year’s award and in celebrating her contributions to library research and community engagement.
The Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) Best Research Awards Subcommittee (2024-2025) is pleased to announce that Dr. Leo Lo, Dean of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences at the University of New Mexico and incoming University Librarian and Dean of Libraries at the University of Virginia (effective September 15, 2025), is the recipient of the 2025 Jing Liao Annual Award for the Best Research.
Dr. Lo is recognized for his outstanding publication:
Lo, L. S. (2024). Evaluating AI literacy in academic libraries: A survey study with a focus on U.S. employees. College & Research Libraries, 85(5), 635–657. https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.85.5.635
His work offers timely and insightful analysis into the preparedness of academic library staff in navigating artificial intelligence technologies, contributing meaningfully to the growing discourse on AI literacy in the profession.
The Jing Liao Award for the Best Research honors the memory of Jing Liao (1954–2011), a long-time CALA member and a devoted, accomplished librarian at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Jing was a perfect exemplar of the pursuit of excellence in research and service throughout her career. This memorial award encourages CALA members to continue striving for excellence in research in the fields of information science and librarianship.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lo for this well-deserved recognition of scholarly achievement!
Yali Feng (Co-Chair) Jinxuan Ma Wei Zhang (Co-chair) Meingjie Zou
(Poster in PDF)
Join the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) for its first special virtual event honoring the 2025 CALA Best Book Award recipients. This engaging session features award-winning authors whose works highlight the resilience, artistry, and stories of Chinese Americans.
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT Zoom Link: Register for the Webinar
Featured Speakers and Talks:
Talk Title: Journey of a Thousand Miles: Bringing the Story of Mamie Tape to Life
Join author Traci Huahn and illustrator Michelle Jing Chan as they discuss their own journeys of bringing Mamie Tape’s story to life. Learn more about the history of Mamie Tape and her family, Traci’s extensive archival research and interviews with Mamie’s relatives, and Michelle’s "behind-the-scenes" art process.
Praised as the "definitive new biography" (Smithsonian Magazine) and a "worthy tribute to a groundbreaking artist" (Publishers Weekly), Karen Fang's Background Artist tells the extraordinary story of the Chinese immigrant artist, centenarian, and Disney Legend who helped make Bambi. In her talk for CALA, Fang will discuss Wong's early life under Chinese Exclusion, how his art practice countered the injustice of the era, and what lessons his long life provides us in this current moment.
Come hear from the author, illustrator, and scholar as they discuss the inspiration behind their creative process, the research that shaped their narratives, and the powerful messages at the heart of their award-winning books. Discover how these works illuminate overlooked chapters of Chinese American history, elevate voices long silenced, and celebrate the enduring impact of representation through storytelling and art.
Learn more about the award and recipients: https://cala-web.org/awards/bestbook/2025recipients
We look forward to celebrating these outstanding authors with you!
Dear CALA Members,
Recipients of 2025 CALA awards, grants, and scholarships have been selected or granted. Please click on the Awards tab to view the details.
2025 CALA Best Book Award Recipients
美国华人图书馆员协会2025最佳图书奖的获奖者名单
The CALA Best Book Award Subcommittee is pleased to announce the following recipients of the 2025 CALA Best Book Awards. The annual CALA Best Book Award recognizes outstanding books, published in English or Chinese, which exhibit excellence in addressing Chinese Americans, Chinese, people of Chinese origin, Chinese cultural heritage, or China, and written by Chinese authors or authors of Chinese descent. The Award is to raise awareness of these topics and authors in North America.
CALA最佳图书奖评审小组荣幸地宣布2025年度CALA最佳图书奖的获奖者名单。一年一度的CALA最佳图书奖旨在表彰以英文或中文出版的优秀书籍，这些书籍在描写华裔美国人、中国人、华裔人士、中国及中华文化传承等方面表现出色，并由华人或华裔作者创作。该奖项旨在提高北美地区对这些主题和作者的认识和关注度。
The following are the recipients of the Best Book Awards. We congratulate the authors for their outstanding works representing the diversity of the Chinese and Chinese American experience.
以下是本次最佳图书奖的获奖者名单。我们向这些出色作品的作者表示衷心的祝贺，他们的作品展现了华人和华裔经历的多样性。
2025 CALA Best Book Awards Recipients
Headline: ALA/CALA 2025 Annual Conference Banquet Registration (closed on 6/20/2025, Friday)
Banquet Registration Form: ALA/CALA 2025 Annual Conference
ALA/CALA Annual Conference Banquet will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at Tai Lake Restaurant (太湖海鲜酒家), 134 N 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
This special event will feature remarks from the CALA President and highlight of CALA's accomplishments this year. It also offers a valuable opportunity for members to reconnect, foster new professional relationships, and celebrate the individuals who have contributed significantly to CALA’s success. We will take this occasion to acknowledge their dedication, welcome new members to our community, and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in the heart of Philadelphia.
We greatly encourage as many CALA members as possible to participate. Banquet Registration will be closed by Friday, June 20, 2025.
The CALA Program Committee sincerely thanks the CALA President and the Executive Committee for their strong leadership and generous financial support in making this event possible. We are also grateful to all members for their active participation and continued engagement.
Registration
Payment Method: We strongly recommend you use Zelle (type in: hongyaony@gmail.com, the registered name is "Chinese American Librarians Association"). If you are unable to pay in advance, please be prepared to pay on-site with exact cash (no change will be provided).
Payment amount: $30 per person
Time of the banquet: June 29, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Restaurant Name: Tai Lake Restaurant (太湖海鲜酒家)
Restaurant Address: 134 N 10th St Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Google Map Directions)
Note: The restaurant is within walking distance from the conference center.
Dear CALA Officers and Committee Chairs:
Please submit your annual reports by 06/06/2025 (Submission form is open from 05/19/2025 to 06/06/2025).
Instructions:
Dear CALA Members:
The Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) 2024-2025 Nominating Committee cordially invites you to consider running for the following positions for the 2025 CALA general election.
We are seeking candidates for the following positions: (The duties listed here):
These positions are critical to the continual development of our organization CALA. Nomination of Board of Directors shall take into consideration the geographical representation. Based on CALA’s Constitution and Bylaws, all nominees must be personal members in good standing with a record of participation in the activities and functions at various levels of CALA. The election will be held in the Spring 2025. The elected officers are expected to attend at least one board meeting each year. Absence from two consecutive board meetings without prior written approval from the President will result in the removal from the CALA Board.
The Nomination Form is available at https://forms.gle/LmWWc4pfoUs9bQsv9 .
Please consider either nominating yourself or by anyone else within CALA. If you nominate someone, please ensure you have their consent first.
The deadline for submitting the nomination is December 4, 2024.
Should you have any questions, we would love to answer them for you. CALA appreciates your willingness to support, serve, and run for your preferred position!
Thank you!
Vincci Kwong
CALA Immediate Past President & Chair of Nominating Committee 2025-2026
CALA 2024-2025 Nominating Committee:
Dear CALA members and Friends,
The CALA Newsletter Subcommittee is inviting YOU to contribute to the next issue of the fall CALA Newsletter. CALA members and non-members of the association can submit articles focused on areas of interest to the Chinese American Librarian community. See Past Issues, for examples.
Topics can be focused on, but not limited to, the following areas:
· News & Announcements
o Member news
o Achievements, promotions, nominations and awards
o Publications, call for collaborations
o Milestones
· Feature stories
o Chapter highlights
o Interviews of librarians or CALA advocates
o Spotlights of CALA members
o Expert advice (library series, traditions, foods, etc.)
o Behind the scenes (conference(s), programming)
o Personal experiences
o Programs & outreach with a positive impact on librarians, library workers & community
o Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, allyship initiatives
o Collaborations (national, international and local)
o International outreach
o Impact stories (libraries and patrons)
· Conferences & Travels
o Visits
o Traveling
· Reviews
o Book reviews (unofficial – so that you may publish elsewhere)
o Food/Restaurant reviews of CALA conference favs
o Opinions & Perspectives - on current library issues
· Trends
o Technology & Observations
o Sustainability
o Spaces (community, academic, etc.)
o Management
o Learning
o Student well-being
· Small albums (of people, events, etc.)
· Memorials
Article requirements:
· Length: Between 100–1500 words (exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis)
· Complete and ready for publication. The committee will do light editing of each article
· Deadline: November 15, 2024
*** Note: The official reports from various CALA Committees, Task Forces and Chapters are archived on the CALA Website and are not included in the newsletter. This is per the Executive Board's policy.
Please send a final complete copy of your submission to the emails below. We look forward to hearing from you!
With much appreciation,
The CALA Newsletter Subcommittee
Esther De-Leon, Co-chair, esther.de-leon@ttu.edu
Jen Woo, Co-chair, jenniferjwoo@gmail.com
Amy Jiang, Member, ajiang@laverne.edu
Jianshan Yang, Member, yangjs0825@gmail.com
CALA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (website: https://cala-web.org)
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