• 2026-02-24

As the passage of time weaves through the silent turning of pages, Dr. Han-ching Wang officially concluded her two-year secondment as the Director-General of the National Central Library (NCL) on February 1, 2026, returning to her academic post at National Cheng Kung University.

To honor Director-General Wang for her profound scientific rigor and compassionate leadership—qualities that have catalyzed innovation and expanded the Library's global horizons—the NCL hosted a farewell reception on the afternoon of January 30. The event was co-moderated by Ms. Hui-chin Cheng , Director of the Bibliographic Information Center, and Ms. Yi-chien Tu, Director of the International Standard Book Number Center. Amidst an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia, the entire staff gathered to reflect on the milestones achieved during the past two years and to offer their deepest gratitude to their departing leader.

Scientific Pragmatism and Emotional Resilience

The ceremony opened with an address by Deputy Director-General Chih-tsung Weng. He commended Director-General Wang for her exceptional executive efficiency, noting that upon assuming office, she utilized a scientist’s pragmatism to swiftly master the Library’s core operations. He specifically highlighted her ability to lead the team in re-evaluating long-term institutional governance and her remarkable emotional resilience when navigating complex challenges. On behalf of the staff, he thanked her for injecting a new "governance dynamic" rooted in scientific rationality into the NCL.

During the testimonial session, numerous colleagues shared their personal reflections, describing Director-General Wang as a leader who is not only professional and decisive but also deeply inclusive. These shared memories served as a testament to the vibrant and supportive environment she fostered during her tenure. In addition to spoken tributes, a collection of handwritten cards—representing the collective heartbeat of the NCL staff—was presented to the Director-General as a lasting memento.

The NCL as a "Long-term Knowledge Memory System"

In her farewell remarks, Director-General Wang expressed her appreciation to the Ministry of Education for the opportunity to contribute to the nation's core knowledge infrastructure. She observed that science and librarianship are kindred spirits: while science seeks structural accumulation, the NCL serves as the nation's "Long-term Knowledge Memory System." Her mission over the past two years was to harmonize "systems thinking" with the Library’s traditional missions, ensuring that the logic of sustainable governance became a permanent fixture of the institution.

The "Athena" Spirit of Librarianship

Most notably, Director-General Wang likened the NCL staff to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, to define the height of their professional calling. She noted that like Athena, library professionals embody:

Rationality and Clarity: Maintaining composure and sound judgement in all tasks.

Strategy and Craftsmanship: Navigating complex information environments with precision.

Quiet Strength: Protecting the order of knowledge with resolute, unspoken power.

She emphasized that maintaining long-term order and institutional value is far more significant than seeking momentary acclaim. "The true challenge," she noted, "is not simply being seen, but remaining steadfast in one’s professionalism even when misunderstood." She reaffirmed that the NCL is the central hub of national knowledge governance—a value built upon the dedication of every staff member.