Mingyan Li

Mingyan Li is a Clinical Associate Professor and Metadata Librarian at the University of Illinois at Chicago's University Library. She leads the Resource Acquisition & Management (RAM) metadata unit, overseeing cataloging and metadata creation for diverse library resources. Her work focuses on enhancing discoverability of collections through collaboration with departments like Digital Programs & Services and Special Collections. She chairs key groups like the SCUA/RAM Working Group and Metadata Working Group, driving initiatives such as the UIC Non-MARC Metadata Best Practice Guidelines.

Education: Master of Library and Information Science (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), Master of Computer and Information Systems (Bradley University), and Bachelor of Information Management (Sichuan University). Certifications include the Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) and advanced training in cataloging rare materials, linked data, and RDA standards.

Research interests center on metadata workflows, AI applications in cataloging, and inclusive metadata practices. Recent work explores AI-generated metadata for silent videos and collaborative cataloging strategies to improve resource discoverability. She has presented at national conferences like ALA Annual and ai4libraries, addressing topics from digital preservation to metadata standardization.

Professional service includes roles as Director of the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), Co-chair of ALCTS Metadata Interest Group, and leadership in CARLI Technical Services Committee. She actively participates in library diversity initiatives, search committees, and institutional repositories projects.

Supervisory responsibilities include managing the RAM metadata unit's three staff members and coordinating cross-departmental projects. Her contributions span technical services, electronic resources management, and metadata policy development at both institutional and national levels.