Janet Hyunju Clarke has been supporting and celebrating the culture of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population at Stony Brook University for many years. As an advocate and program coordinator, as a mentor, as an initiative initiator, and as an Asian American literature/studies PhD - as well as a South Korean-born member of that community who intimately understands AAPI issues, obstacles and opportunities, both personally and professionally.

On June 30, Clarke, associate dean of research and learning at Stony Brook University Libraries, was honored for her contributions when she was named a 2025 Library Journal "Mover and Shaker" at a ceremony in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Specifically, she was recognized among library professionals across the country for co-founding SBU's AAPI Mentorship Networkand AAPI Heritages Committee.

Clarke couldn't be more committed to the work or proud of the award, which acknowledged her as "one of 50 people shaping the future of libraries." In its write-up of Clarke, the Library Journalpointed out that, "Until Janet Hyunju Clarke got involved, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students who make up approximately 40 percent of the school's population had never had a campus club that was open to anyone (as opposed to only students) or celebration related to their heritage."

"I've always been in awe of the people who've won this annual award," Clarke said. "It was wonderful to stand on the shoulders of all those who have gone ahead of me and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this year's recipients."

Clarke said they inspire her, "doing all this passionate and dedicated work in their little corner of the library world, just as I try to do as I work to raise the awareness and sense of belonging for AAPI students at Stony Brook. I was very touched to be nominated for, and then to receive, this well-respected award."

On a personal level, Clarke said, "I wish I had the kind of mentorship and support we now offer AAPI students when I was going to college. I believe it makes a tremendous difference in terms of their self-confidence and what they're able to accomplish, in school and beyond. We help them with everything from navigating social norms, to choosing their major and writing their resume. We provide letters of recommendation and, overall, help them feel that somebody out there does care about them."

The reward for faculty and staff invested in these efforts - whom Clarke said have become a real community of their own - comes when graduates "tell us of their post-college successes, which they often do."

Bottom line, she said, is that "people have helped me throughout my life, studies and career, and I want to pay it forward by giving something back to the Stony Brook community. I've always been very passionate about that."

Penguin Random House Senior Library Marketing Manager Miriam Tuliao nominated Clarke for this prestigious award, saying, "From the early publication of Asian American Librarians and Library Servicesand her dedication to the AAPI Mentorship Network at Stony Brook University to her collaborative leadership within the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), serving as the national organization's president (2015 - 2016) to its current Northeast Chapter co-chair, Janet's contributions in education and librarianship are significant and impactful. A dedicated advocate, she is unwavering in her service to and support of AANHPI communities locally and nationwide."

SBU Libraries Dean Belkacem Karim Boughida added, "What Janet and the team have built here at Stony Brook is powerful. It shows our AAPI students that they belong, that their experiences matter, and that the library stands with them. We're creating a space for belonging, visibility and community."

Library Journal Editor-in-Chief Hallie Rich summed it up like this: "Library Journal's 2025 Movers and Shakers represent the best of the creative, inspiring, visionary and committed individuals who are advancing the library field … supporting students, families and individuals as they lean into learning, connecting with community and engaging with reading."

The Library Journalaward comes on the heels of Clarke's receipt of the American Library Association's (ALA) Medal of Excellencein March. She is the only Stony Brook University faculty member to receive either award.

- Ellen Cooke