Changing spaces at Hamilton Library

Posted: Mar 19, 2010

The William Kawi Fong Yap plaque has been rehung on the first pillar in the front lobby. The plaque was originally on the pillar adjacent to CLIC, the former "Yap Alley." The front lobby is now the new William Kawi Fong Yap Room. New furniture has been ordered and will soon be installed.

 

In 1918, Yap petitioned the legislature to change the College of Hawaiʻi to the University of Hawaiʻi (http://www.hawaii.edu/centennial/history.html). The official change was enacted in 1920. The Library recommended that the UH Administration recognize Yap for his contribution. At the December 2009 commencement ceremony, the Board of Regents Medal of Distinction was awarded posthumously to Mr. William Kawi Fong Yap. The Yap family gave the framed medal to the Library, and it will be displayed along with some other Yap memorabilia in the front lobby display case.

 

In the Commons Area of the Science & Technology tower, the colorful tapa by Mary Pritchard, a reknown siapo artist of Samoa, has been installed on the wall at the entrance. Called a siapo mamanu because it was done in freehand, the piece was donated by Joan Griffis to the Library. The siapo was purchased from artist Mary Pritchard in the late 1960s.   "It has been a treasured possession and one I am delighted will become a part of the art collection at the University of Hawaiʻi," noted Griffis.

 

Also in the SciTech Commons area, there are two new Presentation Rooms for students to use. The rooms are equipped with a computer (with PowerPoint), an LCD projector, and a work table with chairs. The first of its kind on campus, the Presentation Rooms give students the opportunity to rehearse a presentation before having to give it at a conference, in class or for an interview. There is enough space to have a small peer audience critique the presentation. Students can also bring their own cameras to video their presentation and critique it for improvements. A sign-up sheet is on the door of each presentation room. The Circulation Desk personnel must open the rooms for students so bring a valid UH Mānoa ID to verify the reservation.