• 2025-08-12

The National Central Library has long been dedicated to the digitization of rare books and archival materials, while actively expanding its collaborations with government agencies and universities. The partnership established on May 26, 2025, with the Institute of Modern History at Academia Sinica, represents the Library’s first major collaboration in recent years with Academia Sinica that integrates both physical collections and digital archival files. This initiative carries profound significance.

The Institute of Modern History at Academia Sinica (hereafter referred to as IMH), is focused on the study of the multifaceted historical transformations of modern China. In recent years, IMH has also actively engaged in archival digitization, establishing numerous databases with remarkable success. This collaboration with the National Central Library not only supports the digitization of rare books but also involves the exchange of existing digital archives. The scope of cooperation encompasses significant documents across various fields from the period of the Nationalist Government, providing highly valuable resources for the study of modern Chinese history and serving as an indispensable foundation for future research.
Looking ahead, we hope that through the digitization and reciprocal sharing of unique collections preserved at the Kuo Ting-yee Library, these precious materials may be safeguarded and passed down, opening new horizons for historical scholarship and public education alike.

In her remarks, Director-General Wang expressed her gratitude to Deputy Directors Jen-shu Wu and Ling-ling Lien, as well as Director Ling-chun Lin and their colleagues, for their support and dedication to this collaborative project. The Kuo Ting-yee Library of the Institute of Modern History is renowned both domestically and internationally as a professional research library specializing in the collection of materials on modern Chinese history. This collaborative project not only ensures the digital preservation of valuable pre-1949 holdings from the Kuo Ting-yee Library but also facilitates the exchange of its existing digital archives, which include a wide range of historical sources on Chinese history and early KMT documents.
Moving forward, the National Central Library will make the digitized results of both parties’ rare book holdings and archival materials accessible through the “Taiwan eBook database, thereby underscoring the lasting significance of digital preservation and its role in sustaining cultural heritage.

In her remarks, Deputy Director Wu emphasized that the old books involved in this collaboration are extremely valuable, with some even absent from major databases in mainland China. She also expressed gratitude to colleagues at the National Central Library, who consistently assist in promoting the publications of the Institute of Modern History during international exchanges. The core value of digitization lies in preservation and accessibility. Through collaboration with the National Central Library, not only can these precious documents be properly preserved and widely utilized, but under the premise of sustainable transmission, this initiative can further foster in-depth global academic and cultural exchange, collectively contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and the advancement of scholarship. Beginning with digitization, this collaboration sets the stage for closer future efforts in promoting cultural materials, allowing the world to recognize Taiwan’s achievements in this field of scholarship.

Following the signing ceremony, IMH also held further discussions with the Library on academic collaboration. This partnership is not limited to the digitization and exchange of documents; it also aspires to foster joint activities such as lectures or publications. Such initiatives aim to enrich scholarly exchange between both institutions and lay a solid foundation for future academic collaboration.