Championing Diversity: The Story Behind ALIA Multicultural Group

by Marie Robineau

Shelf Matters is a CAVAL podcast and blog series that explores the ideas, people, and initiatives shaping the GLAMR sector—Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Records. CAVAL uses this platform to highlight the topics that matter most to our community and the broader library industry. 

In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with two inspiring library professionals who are leading the way in multicultural advocacy: Mare Maticevski, founding member and Convenor of the ALIA Multicultural Group and Academic Librarian at RMIT University Library, and My Van Dang, the group’s Secretary and Diversity & Literacy Librarian at Greater Dandenong Libraries. 

Together, we explored the origins of the ALIA Multicultural Group, the personal experiences that shape our work, and the importance of embedding multicultural values into the heart of library services. 

Building a Community of Practice 

The ALIA Multicultural Group was officially launched at the end of 2022, co-founded by Mare and Oriana Acevedo, alongside Rita Hardy and later joined by Sandra Jammal. Mare, who has worked across academic, school, and public libraries, has long been a passionate advocate for multicultural services. Her involvement in the Public Libraries Victoria (PLV) Multicultural Special Interest Group laid the foundation for what would become a national initiative. 

My Van, with nearly two decades of experience in public libraries, also began her journey in the PLV Multicultural SIG. ‘It was a space where I could learn from others and share ideas,’ she said. ‘That sense of openness and collaboration is what drew me to ALIA Multicultural.’ 

Personal Journeys, Shared Purpose 

Both Mare and My Van bring deeply personal experiences to their professional work. Mare recalled starting school without knowing English, navigating a new culture while seeking a sense of belonging. ‘Even though our migration stories differ, there are shared experiences that connect us,’ she reflected. 

My Vans story echoed similar themes. Born in Malaysia to refugee parents, she moved to Australia at age two. ‘The first two years of school were really hard,’ she said. ‘Neither of my parents spoke English, so I struggled to understand what was happening around me.’ 

Her connection to libraries began early. ‘I did my Year 10 work experience at Springvale Library—and I never left,’ she laughed. ‘I grew up in a diverse community and worked in an organisation that reflected that diversity.’ 

Moments That Matter 

For My Van, one of the most meaningful initiatives has been the Lunar New Year celebrations at Springvale Library. ‘We host a lion dance performance and a Chinese and Vietnamese Community Book Day,’ she explained. ‘This year, a patron asked if we could include English-language books about these celebrations so she could teach her children. That really stayed with me.’ 

She also highlighted the importance of thoughtful collection management. ‘Even small things—like how language collections are shelved—can make a big difference in making people feel welcome.’ 

The Ongoing Need for Advocacy 

Despite progress, Mare emphasised that multicultural focus in libraries is still too often sidelined. ‘We need continual advocacy for diversity in the workforce—especially in leadership roles,’ she said. ‘People with lived experience must be part of shaping services.’ 

She added, ‘Multicultural initiatives shouldn’t be precarious. They should be embedded in the way libraries operate.’ 

Leading by Example 

Greater Dandenong Libraries offer a strong model for multicultural engagement. Their ‘Talking Faith?’ forum, launched in 2010, provides a safe space to explore different spiritualities. Other initiatives include: 

• Literacy support for new arrivals: Library Help for Adults, Conversation Circles, Citizenship Sessions, and Tech Assist. 

• Extensive language collections: Resources in 17 community languages—one of the largest collections in Victoria. 

• Multilingual staff: Team members speak over 20 languages, enabling deeper community engagement. 

• Targeted outreach: Including interviews on SBS and local radio to reach diverse audiences. 

Rethinking Impact 

When I asked how we can measure the success of multicultural services, Mare suggested a shift in focus. ‘It’s not just about numbers,’ she said. ‘We need to assess equity. What services are we offering? What’s missing?’ 

She encouraged libraries to ask: 

• Are language resources appropriate and accessible? 

• Is information accurately translated? 

• Are communities being actively engaged? 

• Is the workforce representative of the community? 

• Are multilingual resources visible and easy to find? 

• Is signage inclusive? 

It made me reflect that perhaps the most meaningful way to measure impact is by identifying the gaps—those areas where communities are still underserved or excluded. 

Looking Ahead 

To build a more inclusive future, My Van suggested asking the right questions: 

• Do communities feel safe in our libraries? 

• Can they approach staff and give feedback? 

• Do they feel comfortable making requests without fear of judgment? 

‘It’s about trust and representation,’ she said. ‘We need to create spaces where everyone feels they belong.’ 

An Ongoing Journey

This conversation reminded me just how powerful libraries can be when they reflect the communities they serve. Mare and My Van’s insights were not only inspiring but also a call to action—for all of us working in the sector to keep pushing for equity, visibility, and inclusion. 

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to listen to the full episode on Shelf Matters by CAVAL and explore the work of the ALIA Multicultural Group. And if you’re working on multicultural initiatives in your own library, we’d love to hear from you—let’s keep the conversation going.