Libraries and Learning Commons
Hawai'i Pacific University Libraries and Learning Commons support student learning and the HPU community with innovative services, resources, and facilities. To the greatest extent permitted, they serve as gathering places for study, collaboration, and instruction to exemplify the institution's mission and shared values. Hawai'i Pacific University maintains two libraries: The Library at Waterfront (downtown campus, Waterfront Plaza) and Atherton Library (Hawaii Loa campus) and a third site at the Learning Commons (Aloha Tower Marketplace), operated jointly by the Libraries and ITS Department. HPU Libraries are committed to providing instructional services and learning support opportunities to empower students to use information resources critically.
The Collections: HPU Libraries' collections contain databases, online resources, print books, periodicals, and audiovisual materials. Books are classified according to the Library of Congress Classification System and housed in campus libraries. Electronic books are available through the HPU Discovery platform for viewing and borrowing. Emphasis is given to acquiring academically-oriented titles in electronic format on subject matters relevant to the courses offered by the university. Online resources, including our capstone repository, full-text periodical, and subscribed databases, are available via the Libraries' website, www.hpu.edu/libraries, and through the Libraries' link in Blackboard.
Reference and Instruction Service: Reference services are available at the library and learning commons, providing professional research assistance to students and faculty. While off-campus, reference librarians are available via a 24/7 online chat service for research assistance. The "Chat with a Librarian" link is located in Blackboard and on the Libraries' website. HPU Libraries offer research consultations to individuals, new student group orientations, and in-class faculty-requested information literacy instruction sessions.
Access Services: General library services are available at both libraries, which include item check-outs and check-ins, book delivery services, reading assignments from instructors, and interlibrary loan services, to the extent available. The book delivery service transports books between the Library at Waterfront (downtown campus, Waterfront Plaza) and Atherton Library (Hawaii Loa campus). Students can check out books from the general collection for up to 56 days, with a possible renewal for 28 additional days.
Library Hours: During the major academic terms, the HPU libraries are generally open seven days a week, with at least one branch open during the weekend, including evening hours. Extended evening hours are offered across both libraries and the learning commons a week before and during the final examination period during the major academic semesters. Library hours are generally short during the summer sessions and winter breaks. All locations are closed on university-observed holidays. Library hours are posted online and on-site.
LIBRARY AT WATERFRONT
The Library at Waterfront is located in Building 6, Suite 302 of the Waterfront Plaza building in downtown Honolulu at 500 Ala Moana Blvd. There are seven study rooms, an assigned collaborative space, and a quiet study area with comfortable seating to facilitate the various studying needs of students. Computer workstations, printers, photocopiers, media equipment, and Wi-Fi are also available. Our general collections support Business, Social Sciences, Humanities, Computer Sciences, and Health Sciences degree programs. There are also books to support students in learning English and other languages.
ATHERTON LIBRARY
Atherton Library is located on the third floor of the Cooke Academic Center on the Hawaii Loa campus. It is named to commemorate Frank and Eleanore Atherton and funded as a gift from the Atherton Family Foundation. There are six individual study rooms, assigned collaborative and quiet study areas, computer workstations, printers, photocopiers, and Wi-Fi. Atherton Library's collections primarily support Diplomacy and Military Studies, Environmental Science, and Marine Science.
LEARNING COMMONS
The Learning Commons, located at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, has four study rooms, individual and small group study tables, booths, and various general seating areas. Computer workstations, printers, photocopiers, media equipment, and Wi-Fi are also available. Laptop computers are available at the Learning Commons for student use and check out.
The Learning Commons is jointly operated by the Libraries and the university ITS department. Computer equipment, network information and troubleshooting services are available from ITS personnel at the service desk, while basic library services are available from Library personnel. In addition, the HPU Center for Academic Success provides tutoring services at the Learning Commons on weekends and most weekday evenings during the fall and spring semesters or otherwise, as may be adjusted from time to time. For more information about HPU Libraries and the Learning Commons, visit the HPU website at https://www.hpu.edu/libraries/index.html, email circulation@hpu.edu.