How It Feels to Be Asian in U.S. Academic Libraries and Higher Education: A Systematic Review of Challenges and Coping Strategies

Abstract

Asians are underrepresented in leadership roles in U.S. academic libraries and higher education. Their challenges and coping strategies were uncovered through this systematic review of peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2021. The author performed a thematic analysis using NVivo through the lens of Asian Critical (AsianCrit) theory. Findings showed that their authority, expertise, and leadership capabilities are often questioned. They sometimes experience unfair performance and tenure reviews, xenophobia, negative stereotypes, and discrimination. To counter these harsh realities, they form alliances, find identity-informed mentors, collaborate with others, or seek visibility through scholarship or professional service.

Keywords:

• Asians
• Asian American librarians
• academic libraries
• higher education
• systematic review
• leadership
• Asian critical (AsianCrit) theory
• thematic analysis

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Dr. Amy Crosson for her guidance and encouragement, Dr. Cindy Xuying Xin for her coding assistance, and Ms. Valerie Lynn for her feedback.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).