Often the term “Asian” and “Asian American” cause confusion in relation to library collections. For example, traditionally, East Asian collections focus on East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea, rather than on the distinct experiences of these groups in America or in other countries. The term "Asian American" was coined by historian Yuji Ichioka in the late-1960s in conjunction with the Asian American social movement. It emerged to describe a new pan-ethnic identity forming out of solidarity amongst Asians in the United States. While the term emerged as a political identity, today, it is often used as a demographic marker. The term "Asian," and thus "Asian Americans," encompasses a large number of national and ethnic identities including but not limited to the following groups: Bangladeshi, Bhutanese, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Hmong, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Sri Lankan, Laotian, Mien, Nepalese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Thai, Tibetan, and Vietnamese Americans.
Try using some of these Library of Congress subject headings to locate books on Asian American Studies topics:
Search these catalogs for books on your research topic.
Interlibrary Services (ILS) is available to request books, articles, and other items. Often the Rapido link is provided directly in the database and is the easiest way to submit a request. Follow the "Get it from another library" link or visit the InterLibrary Loan Services Page and click "Submit InterLibrary Loan Request" button. Use the form to complete your request.
To learn more about the Rapido and ILS services, view the ILS library news announcement .