Served as Dean of Learning Resources
University of Guam
54,201 square feet, consisting of a 24-hour study area, six conference rooms, multimedia
presentation classrooms, etc. The facility was reported as "a beautiful new gem" on the
University of Guam campus.(1) The AIA Design Awards given to the project cited the
building as "a place for learning, reflection, and interaction." Jesus U. Torres, then
Chairman of the University Board, proclaimed in 1992 when the building was done: "This
marks the first giant step in the revitalization of a university in pursuit of academic
excellence."(2)
Obtained funds, installed, and implemented a computerized system (Dynix), which automated
the services and operations of the University of Guam Library and laid the foundation for
its connection to other libraries and institutions in U.S. and throughout the world.
It was a long process, which involved internal assessment, systems analysis, selection
and negotiations, systems demonstrations, systems installation, staff training, public
interfacing, data conversion, etc.
For public awareness and promotion, many workshops and demonstrations, such as
Computer Literacy, Island InfoFiesta, Library Technology Update, and so on were offered in
the process of implementation. The InfoFiesta was the first computerized information
workshop on Guam and won two certificates of nomination by Guam Governor and
Legislature for the Magnificent Seven Award on island.
The system was implemented in 1993 when the expansion of the library building was
completed. Equipped with the new automation system, the library had "stepping into the
21st century" before the new millennium was dawn(3)
Initiated and acquired OCLC (Ohio Computer Library Center) services, CD-ROM databases,
Internet connection, and other innovative services in the Library. OCLC was applied to
cataloging, interlibrary loans, and reference search. The initial CD databases included
Academic Index, CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE, and others.
Note that in 1989 when Wang arrived at the University of Guam, The Library was operated
manually and had not applied information technologies to its functions. It had only one IBM
and one Mac PC, both were quite old.
Supported the initiation, development, and implementation of library instruction as partial
curriculum of required English courses and as an information class for other subject
courses. The instruction was initiated in 1990 and has been offered regularly since then.
Promoted and increased the use of the Library. Statistics shows that in 1988, the
numbers of library cards issued, reference queries, and materials checked out were
3,885; 5,552; and 38,550 respectively. In 1991, the corresponding numbers were
4,308; 8,098; and 44,830. And the increasing trend was continuing on in the 1990s.
Encouraged, promoted, and led intellectual activities among library faculty. The result was
that in the 1990s, library faculty published several monographs and numerous articles in
journals, magazines, and local newspapers.
Established a separate East Asian Collection to meet the needs of the University curriculum
and the population on Guam and Micronesian islands.
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Played an active role in the reactivation of Guam Library Association in September 1989 and
the founding of the Pacific Islands Association of Libraries and Archives in February 1991.
GLA and PIALA have since become the forums for library professionals on Guam and
Micronesian islands to discuss their issues and provided many continuing education
opportunities.
Initiated, chaired, and implemented Guam Governor s Conference on Library and Information
Services held on November 15-17, 1990 in Agana, Guam. The conference adopted 94
recommendations on improving library and information services, which were made from a
series of meetings held in various villages. Seven of them related to nationwide issues
were submitted to the White Conference for consideration. The other recommendations
were proposed to Guam Governor for his attention.(4)
Selected by U.S. National Council on Library and Information Science in 1990 to serve on the
Editorial Committee for screening state recommendations for White House Conference on
Library and Information Services. Working with other selected members in Washington
D.C, reviewed, edited, and compiled a book of recommendations for use of the
conference.
Elected to serve on Guam delegation and participated in White House Conference on Library
and Information Services held on July 9-13, 1991 in Washington, DC. The conference
adopted 95 recommendations and many additional petitions with regard to the improve-
ment of library and information services in the nation. Guam s seven submissions and
two petitions were incorporated in the national agenda.(5)
_______________________________
(1) "Modernized Library Enhances UOG Campus." Pacific Magazine May/June 1994, 54.
(2) Fraye Oyen. "First Phase of UOG s Expansion Project Done." Pacific Daily News.
March 4, 1992, 1.
(3) Mark Duarte. "To Study in Style." The Triton Call. February 10, 1993. 1,4.
(4) Chih Wang, Shirley Corbin, and Mark C. Goniwiecha. Guam Governor s Conference
on Library and Information Services. 35. Agana, Guam: Government of Guam , 1991.
(5) Information 2000: Library and Information Services for the 21st Century.... Washington,
DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1991, 33-64.