• 2018-11-23

The Ministry of Education, in a desire to expand the vision of those in charge of overseeing and managing public libraries in Taiwan and to promote a deeper understanding of international library developments, organized a delegation of fifteen public librarians led by NCL Director-general Tseng Shu-hsien. On September 9, the delegation traveled to the U.S. for seven days of learning and touring.

The aim of the trip was to understand the operations and innovative services of the two large public library systems in New York City, as well as to engage in professional exchanges with and learn from each of the following libraries: the Central Library in Queens, the Flushing Library, the Elmhurst Branch Library, the Forest Hills Branch Library, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (New York Public Library), the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, the Hamilton Grange Library, the 53^rd Street Library, the Grand Central Library, and the Free Library of Philadelphia-Parkway Central Library. The understanding and experience gained on this visit will be used in the preparations for a project starting next year—Creating a Collaborative and Sharing-friendly Library System. This will aid efforts in reorienting libraries in their socio-educational roles and services.