Meet Angel Tang: your new partner in research, discovery and learning
Angel Tang joins the University Libraries from the University of Wisconsin – Madison where she was a Science & Engineering Librarian focusing on the life sciences. She brings with her a passion for game-based learning – think escape rooms, quiz competitions and other creative approaches to teaching. At CU Boulder, she is eager to explore how playful, interactive strategies can make information literacy sessions more dynamic and fun.
The Libraries Communications Team met with her to discuss her journey to CU and her vision for her work here.
What inspired you to pursue a career in academic librarianship, and what excites you most about joining the CU Boulder community?
As I was considering careers in college, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that had a positive impact on others and would feed my curiosity and desire to learn. A close friend was also going into librarianship and, after talking with her, I decided I would also apply for Master of Information and Library Science (MLIS) programs.
Academic settings are very exciting to me because of the opportunities to meet and collaborate with creative thinkers who are deepening our knowledge and understanding of the world around us. I was also impressed by CU Boulder's commitment to sustainability and the actions to advance the Climate Action Plan. It helps that the campus is beautiful and the community is already so welcoming. I look forward to developing relationships across academic units and helping everyone feel connected to the libraries, no matter how they engage with our resources.
How do you envision supporting students and faculty in their research and learning goals?
My approach in supporting students and faculty is to first actively listen to best understand how I can advance their goals. Every person has unique needs and different approaches to their work. I want to support them in ways that are complementary to their own styles. I like to work creatively and encourage students and researchers to search for information in places that they previously may not have considered.
Can you share a favorite book, project, or library initiative that has shaped your perspective as a librarian?
At my previous institution I co-managed an internship program which introduced undergraduate students to careers in academic librarianship. Through a series of modules at different campus libraries, these interns worked closely with library staff to learn how libraries support research and learning on campus. I was really moved by how the interns would come to feel a strong sense of connection to the libraries. They would share their perspectives which, in turn, enhanced our understanding of how undergraduate students used library resources. I hope to foster a similar sense of connection with the University Libraries through my outreach and liaison work.