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Today we’re celebrating our UCF’s boss of business, Min Tong. Min works as a Business Librarian in our Research Engagement department and is responsible for meeting the research needs of students and faculty in the College of Business Administration (COBA). Min also supports the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the Blackstone Launchpad, and serves as the library’s primary contact with Global UCF. She is an invaluable asset to students and faculty alike; she is known for her thoroughness, patience, preparation, perceptiveness, and passion. Min embodies what it means to be a productive and efficient team member – she’s thoughtful and organized and gives that extra effort to sustain the services she provides. We sat down with Min to learn more about her and get a little bit of insight into the source of her dedication!

Tell us a little bit about your background and how long you’ve been with us at the UCF Libraries.

Believe it or not, I’m a Chinese-Canadian-American with a bit of a migratory streak! My husband and I originally moved to Canada from China, and after graduating from the University of British Columbia in 2007, we decided to trade the cold for the sunshine and landed in Orlando. I’ve been with UCF Libraries since then, which means I’ve officially survived Florida summers for over a decade!

What motivated you to pursue a career in librarianship, and what specifically drew you to the field of business research?

My librarianship origin story begins with Baby Storytime! When my daughter was 4 months old, I took her to a public library in Canada, and I was struck by how welcoming and supportive the librarians were. That’s when I decided to go back to school, get my Master of Information Science, and become a librarian. As for business research? It’s so practical and relevant. It’s all about real-world impact—you can literally see how business research shapes decisions, economies, and even careers. 

Students and faculty have noted how invaluable your presentations are; how do you take something that is often intimidating and make it accessible?

I believe our students are highly capable, and with the right guidance, they can navigate even the most complex resources with confidence. My approach is to simplify the process by breaking down tools and concepts into manageable steps. Once students realize they have the ability to master these resources, their confidence grows, and they feel empowered to apply them effectively to their projects and papers. Encouraging that self-trust is key to unlocking their full potential.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in business research and library science?

I’ve made it a ritual to read “Morning Brew” daily to keep up with the latest in business news. Podcasts are another go-to—my favorites are “The Economist,” “Cold Call” by Harvard Business School, and NPR’s “Planet Money.” Plus, I read almost every issue of the Journal of Business and Finance Librarianship to stay sharp on the latest tools and studies.

I’ve heard that you have used your free time to provide extra resources for the College of Business. What is the source of your dedication, both on-the-clock and off-the-clock?

It goes back to my passion for making our resources known. When I’m not working, I’m still thinking about ways to make what we offer more accessible. It’s like a librarian superpower—you’re always thinking about how to share knowledge, even when you’re off-duty.

Tell us a little about you outside of the Library. What sort of interests and hobbies do you have?

Surprise, surprise, I love reading! But when I’m not doing that, I enjoy crocheting and cross-stitching—usually while keeping one ear tuned to my kids’ music practice (multitasking at its finest!).

Is there something you want to pursue professionally in the future?

I’ve given serious thought to pursuing a doctoral or MBA degree, but those plans have been put on hold due to family responsibilities. However, I believe that becoming a librarian is, in itself, a commitment to lifelong learning. Even if I don’t pursue another formal degree, I remain dedicated to continually expanding my knowledge and skills, ensuring I stay at the forefront of my field.

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