Suchcheng Chan, the grandmatron of Asian American Studies has argued that an essential ingredient of good research, especially in historical studies, is the availability of archival or primary sources. However, in an essay she had written in 1980, Being Scholars in Ethnic Studies, Chan argues that in Asian American Studies, such sources are virtually nonexistent. Or, what exists, is scattered, inaccessible, uncatalogued, and hence unusable. There are few, if any, libraries eager to accept custodial responsibility for such sources even when they have been found.
Therefore, potential researchers must venture onto unchartered seas and search for such materials with no guidance or help. Given this state of affairs, the choice of methodologies becomes problematic. Even when we know that particular methodology would be most appropriate for the study we have in mind, the lack of an adequate and reliable database may preclude our using the best methodologies we know of.
The same problem exists for Asian Canadian Studies. At the University of British Columbia, there is speculation that a new position for a librarian/archivist will be announced for its Chung Collection. 1999, the Chung family made an exceptional gift to the University of British Columbia Library, with their donation of The Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection. In making a generous gift of this unique and extensive research collection, Dr. Chung gives back to Canada something of what he and his family have gained since his grandfather came from China to settle in Victoria more than 100 years ago.
Currently, at UBC, a great many treasures are hidden in the Rare Books and Special Collections as well as the University Archives which are inaccessible to most, and often found by only the most astute of researchers. With a dedicated information professional to take on the passionate role of the gate keeper of the Chung Collection, the state of Asian Canadian Studies will be in a more stronger position in advancing and solidifying the new field of Asian Canadian Studies. There are still countless boxes of treasure yet to be catalogued in the Chung Collection. Only time will tell when they can be unearthed for students and researchers.
