• 2026-03-13

"To disseminate Taiwan’s academic achievements in the humanities, the National Central Library (NCL) dispatched a delegation to Vancouver, Canada, to attend the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Annual Conference held from March 12 to 15, 2026. This year's book fair showcased 400 titles (433 volumes) of high-quality publications in Sinology and Taiwan Studies from the past three years. Additionally, a book donation ceremony for the University of Alberta was held on the afternoon of March 12. The ceremony was presided over by Angel Liu, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, with Professor Daniel Fried representing the University of Alberta to accept the donation."

Established in 1941, the AAS is a leading global organization for Asian research. Its annual March conference is a key platform for academic exchange and a significant hub for library professionals. With nearly 700 sessions featuring paper presentations, panels, and poster sessions, this year’s conference has drawn more than 3,000 attendees, including scholars, researchers, librarians, and publishers from across the world.

Acting Director-General Chih-Tsung Weng of the NCL highlighted a long-standing 10-year partnership with the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation to showcase Taiwan’s research at the AAS. This collaboration focuses on promoting Taiwan's scholarly output and academic resources globally. A key highlight is the formation of the 'Taiwan Team,' a strategic alliance with Academia Sinica Press and NTU Press. This 'Taiwan Team' acts as a vital backbone for Taiwanese scholars attending international events overseas and offers foreign researchers a 'one-stop' comprehensive consultation service before they arrive in Taiwan for their studies.

The University of Alberta, a key hub for Sinology with Canada’s second-largest library system, has been a Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies (TRCCS) partner since 2024. The donation was accepted by Professor Daniel Fried, who has a personal connection to the NCL as a former research fellow in Taiwan. Professor Fried emphasized that the TRCCS has already strengthened the ties between the two institutions. He added that this new influx of curated books will significantly bolster their current physical and digital holdings, creating more opportunities for students and researchers to engage with high-quality Taiwanese scholarship.