Jack Hang-tat Leong

Jack Leong standing infr
Describe yourself in three words:

Passionate, diligent, innovative.

What are you reading (or listening to on your mobile device)?

I'm interested in detective and science fiction. I just finished AI 2041 by Kai-Fu Lee, Chen Qiufan and started A Trick of Light by Louise Penny.

Describe ACRL in three words:

Resourceful, relevant, visionary.

What do you value about ACRL?

What I value most about ACRL is its rich network of resources and communities that provide the required support for my career and professional development as an academic librarian. I also appreciate the opportunity to chair the Research and Scholarly Environment committee to lead a wide range of projects related to research infrastructure and open scholarship.

What do you as an academic librarian contribute to your campus?

In my role as Digital Initiatives Librarian, I oversee the policies and procedures for the long-term preservation and open access of scholarly materials deposited to the YorkSpace - York University's institutional repository. My work provides the infrastructure for open publication and reliable curation of scholarship by York University's faculty, staff and students. I was the Associate Dean of Libraries, Research and Open Scholarship, at York University Libraries (YUL) from 2020 to 2023. During the time, my portfolio included content development, archives and special collections, open access, data service, research data management and scholar visibility. I established and chaired the YUL Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee since March 2021 to lead the development of the libraries’ EDIB Strategy Framework and to nurture a culture and work environment that support the priorities of the University Academic Plan for 2020-2025.

I contribute to my campus as a scholar and researcher. My scholarly interests and publications include international and community engagement, access to resources, science fiction, Chinese Canadian studies, Cantonese opera, and intercultural studies. I have stewarded major research collections and leading collaborative digital initiatives that heightened the visibility and impact of these research collections through open access platforms. I've organized numerous academic events and conference to bring

In your own words

My career as an academic librarian has been full of opportunities, challenges and blessings. In the last 18 years, I have the honour to serve as information services librarian, director of an area studies library, associate dean, and digital initiatives librarians. Through these roles, I established myself as an information scientist and community leader to contribute to higher education, librarian profession and community services. I am grateful for my colleagues and students who have made my work meaningful and fun. I also appreciate the work of library associations, such as ACRL, providing resources and networks for my professional development in the rapidly changing academic environment.

Pronouns:he/him/his

Credentials:MISt, PhD

Title:Digital Initiatives Librarian

Job Function:Oversee York University's Institutional Repository - YorkSpace - and teaching and reference consultation for East Asian Studies, Sociology, and Anthropology

Workplace:York University Libraries

Location:Toronto, Canada