If you don’t put us in front, will we ever be found? A conversation with Mare Maticevski and My Van Dang (ALIA Multicultural Group)

In this episode, Marie Robineau - CAVAL, talks with Mare Maticevski from RMIT and My Van Dang from Greater Dandenong Libraries. They are the Convenor/founding member and Secretary, respectively, of the ALIA multicultural group, which was established to advocate for multicultural inclusion across all library sectors. They share their migrant experiences that inspire their commitment to inclusive library services and discuss ongoing library programs that build community trust and encourage cultural exchanges. The conversation highlights the importance of culturally sensitive practices and the need for the sector to enhance equity, visibility, and appreciation for multicultural collections.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Intro and how the ALIA Multicultural Group was formed
• 6:41 The library sector needs to work harder to improve representation
• 7:28 The library looked after me while my parents were at work
• 11:41 All sectors need to work together to help newcomers understand life in this country
• 13:45 'Thank you for making us feel seen.' - Importance of feedback
• 15:44 'Are they better?' Understanding of cultural nuances
• 17:47 'One shelf less?' The real estate of shelving
• 19:01 We haven't reached parity -The need for continual advocacy
• 20:09 if you don't put it in front of them, they won't see and they won't ask
• 22:44 Stories of successful initiatives championing multiculturalism
• 26:18 Equity, inclusion, accessibility and access from the outset
• 29:52 How do you actually feel in a library?
• 31:54 What it is to be of a multicultural background, living on stolen land?