• 2024-11-20

After a five-year hiatus, the 11^th Xuanguan Forum, jointly organized by the National Central Library (NCL) and Nanjing Library in China was held on October 22, 2024, in NCL’s International Conference Hall. The theme of this year’s forum was "Inheritance and Innovation: Empowered by AI." The opening ceremony was presided over by NCL Director-General Han-ching Wang, with congratulatory remarks delivered by Director-General Wang, Nanjing Library Director Jun Chen, Library Association of the Republic of China President Haoren Ke, and Chinese Association of Library and Information Science Education President Tzu-heng Chiu. The event drew over 100 representatives and professionals from the library and information science fields in both mainland China and Taiwan, marking a significant gathering for cross-strait academic exchange.

The Xuanlan Forum was jointly initiated in 2014 by the National Central Library and Nanjing Library, with the two institutions taking turns to host the event annually. Each forum invites directors of various levels and types of libraries, as well as renowned experts and scholars from both sides, generating significant social impact and establishing a strong brand presence. This year, NCL served as the host, continuing to strengthen the camaraderie and achievements of past exchanges between the two institutions. Through this year’s forum, NCL aimed to explore the heritage and innovation of library services in the AI era, promote academic and practical research exchange, deepen cooperative relationships within the library community, and enhance the influence of libraries domestically and internationally. The forum sought to guide and drive academic progress while advancing the field of library science.

The event was comprised of three key components: the main forum, sub-forums, and cultural visits. The main forum, held on October 22, featured presentations by 15 experts and scholars from Taiwan and mainland China. Discussions were organized into five sub-topics: The Heritage and Innovation of Classical Thought and Traditional Culture, Applications of AI in Libraries, Cultivating Professional Competencies of Librarians in the AI Era, Practical Discussions on the Management of New Library Facilities, and Promoting Early Literacy and Reading for Infants and Young Children through Library Programs.

Sub-topic 1: Heritage and Innovation of Classical Thought and Traditional Culture
Dongrong Xie, Director of the Yongle Encyclopedia Research Center at the National Library of China, provided an overview of recent efforts in the heritage and revitalization of the Yongle Encyclopedia. Lin Liling and Chen Siyu, Assistant Editors at the National Central Library, discussed a retrospective and prospective view of NCL’s overseas exhibitions. Chen Li, Deputy Director of Nanjing Library, shared insights into the practice and reflections on ancient texts services and reading promotion in public libraries.

Sub-topic 2: Exploration of AI Applications in Libraries
Professor Chi-ming Chen, a Distinguished Professor at National Chengchi University’s Department of Library, Information, and Archival Studies, delivered a presentation on the interactive applications of AI virtual tour guides in metaverse-based digital curation. Jie Ni, Director of the Information Technology Department at Nanjing Library, shared the practical experiences of AI technology applications in the library. Ye Jie, Director of Suzhou Library, explored the implementation of Suzhou's Digital Library of Ancient Books.

Sub-topic 3: Professional Competency Development for Librarians in the AI Era
Hao Li, Director of the Research and Exchange Department at Nanjing Library, presented on the transformation and reshaping of professional competencies for librarians in the AI era. Ming-chu Huang, Director of the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Library, examined how academic librarians can leverage their existing expertise to actively participate in the transformation of academic libraries during the AI era.

Sub-topic 4: Practical Discussions on New Library Facility Management
Kun Chu, Director of Reader Services at Shanghai Library, Chao-hui Shih, Director of Taoyuan Public Library, and Hui-hsuan Chang, Section Chief at the Pingtung County Government's Cultural Affairs Department, shared their experiences in managing their respective libraries.