Kawasaki Reading Room offers glimpse into Japanese studies

A repository dedicated to the study of Japanese language and culture has a new, expanded and prominent space on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

Previously located on the 11th floor of Oldfather Hall, the Kawasaki Reading Room for Japanese Studies now overlooks campus from the third floor of the new Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, adjacent to the Nebraska Union at 15th and S streets.

While workers are just starting to get the books and other materials organized, Reiko Harpending, director of the reading room, said the new space has already led to expanded use.

"We've only been in the new location for a few weeks, and already we've had an amazing number of people come by," said Harpending. "It's a very nice, comfortable space that encourages people to come inside."

The reading room supports teaching of the Japanese language and culture and creates connections between the people of Japan and Nebraska. The center opened Sept. 24, 1992, made possible by a gift from Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., USA, which has provided ongoing support. The reading room reflects the vision of Takehiko Saeki, former president of Kawasaki USA. Kawasaki gave extra money to make the Gaughan Center move possible, Harpending said.

The reading room contains more than 5,000 books and journals, 800 videocassettes, and 250 audiotapes. Japanese television broadcasts are also available.

The founding director is Ryoko Sasaki-Shuss, who taught Japanese at UNL for 11 years. Kawasaki Reading Room employees include Harpending; Dan Riley, assistant to the director; and Toshie Douglas, a graduate student.

The reading room is three times the size of the old room. The space is divided into two areas -- the library and a study area. To make the collection more user-friendly, Kawasaki Reading Room employees are working with UNL Libraries to catalog and arrange materials according to the Library of Congress classification system.

"We are also linking our materials with the Libraries' IRIS (catalog/checkout) system," said Harpending. "Many of our items are available for checkout. So, now when you search the UNL Libraries system for a book, our materials will show up. It will say the item is available at the Kawasaki Reading Room."

Harpending is also making plans to expand the collection and cultural programming related to the reading room.

"Our main draw continues to be the academic materials we have," said Harpending. "But the fact of the matter is, the majority of students come in here looking for pop culture items, such as Manga. We are planning to expand that portion of the collection. Those items are important because they draw students in and they get to see what else we have to offer."

The library is also an important resource for the surrounding community. Harpending said the staff presents Japanese-related programs to area schools and civic groups. The library also answers questions, translates items and serves as a gathering place for anyone interested in learning about Japan.

"Our next step is to increase publicity and do more cultural and academic events," said Harpending. "While we are happy to see an increase in numbers since the move, we need to bring in more students, faculty, staff and community members to see this beautiful new space."

The Kawasaki Reading Room, Room 302 of the Gaughan Multicultural Center, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Books and videocassettes are available to be checked out by university students and staff as well as members of the community. First-time borrowers should bring a driver's license or similar identification (NCard for UNL faculty, staff and students). Books may be checked out for 14 days and videocassettes for seven days. There are no fees to check out materials, but fines apply for missing or overdue items. Reference materials must remain on site.

WRITER: Troy Fedderson, University Communications, (402) 472-8515