Amity Chiang joined UBC in 2012 and has been the Human Resources Coordinator at UBC Library for three years. In this role, Amity is responsible for providing HR guidance, sharing best practices with managers and staff, and performing recruitment-related tasks. She also contributes to developing and implementing new HR initiatives.
After graduating with her undergraduate degree in Forestry at UBC, she worked in various administrative and finance roles before starting her career at UBC. She first joined the Department of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medicine as a Finance Assistant. After receiving guidance and encouragement from her mentors, she later worked her way up to Assistant HR Manager. “Fortunately, I had the guidance of awesome mentors in the Department of Psychiatry—they recognized my potential and encouraged me to explore a career in HR.”
After nine years at the Department of Psychiatry, Amity was ready to pursue a different environment that would allow her to deepen and expand her HR skillset. When she applied for the HR Coordinator role at UBC Library, it was the perfect fit.
One of her favourite projects while working at UBC Library has been coordinating tours with the Exceptional Workplace Team’s (EWT) Library Culture Club, a club that organizes activities for Library employees and keeps them informed about on-campus events.
“It was really fascinating to learn about different branches and areas that are not typically visible to the public such as the Library Collection Services team located at Library Preservation and Archives (PARC), the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) to see how the robotic arm works, the Conservation Lab, and the Digitization Centre.”
In addition to the Library Culture Club, Amity is an active member of the Library Awards Committee, Co-Chair of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC), as well as various working groups that support inclusive recruitment practices.
“It’s super impressive to see the wide range of working groups and teams within the library that fosters collaboration between staff and faculty members. Each of these working groups plays a key role in supporting the library’s strategic goals and values, and I think it really highlights the library’s commitment to being an exceptional and inclusive workplace.”
Amity’s advice to new hires is to engage and collaborate with the library community. “Embrace the welcoming and inclusive culture at the Library,” she says. “Don’t hesitate to engage with colleagues across different units. I think collaboration and learning are the essentials of a Library environment. Take advantage of the professional development opportunities through the Library, always ask questions, and stay curious—having open communication will help you grow in your role.”
Outside of the Library, Amity enjoys cooking new recipes with her partner. The most intricate and rewarding dish that she’s prepared is an Italian Porchetta with a variety of herbs. With her background in forestry, she is also passionate about woodworking and has taken different workshops to improve her skills.
Learn more about working at UBC Library.