UIC Library Faculty Profile: Mingyan Li: Home

I am the Metadata Librarian and Clinical Assistant Professor of University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Library. I joined UIC as a faculty member in February 2016. Before UIC, I worked as a professional librarian in Library Technical Services for over ten years in various types of libraries including special library, public library and academic libraries.

I received my Master of Library and Information Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I also hold a Master of Computer and Information System from Bradley University.

I am a member of the American Library Association (ALA),  the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS) section and Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA). I am currently serving as the Program co-chair of ALA ALCTS Metadata Interest Group, Chinese CALA Midwest Chapter President. 

I perform original and complex cataloging of a wide variety of library materials, including Special Collections such as the Health Sciences Collection and other unique items. In my role as Metadata Librarian, I have used my expertise in both traditional cataloging and non-MARC metadata to enhance access to digital collections. As the cataloging expert, I provide guidance to staff in RAM regarding any cataloging work. I offer one on one and group training to RAM staff on digital collection metadata creation workflow, subject analysis, and other metadata description questions using my knowledge about RDA, BIBFRAME, Dublin Core, etc.

My scholarly research interests are focused on developing and accessing metadata workflows and seeking creative approaches for managing metadata.