• 2026-04-30

The National Central Library (NCL) and National Central University (NCU) held a signing ceremony for their cooperation on the digitization of ancient books and documents on April 28, 2026. The ceremony was attended by NCL Acting Director-General Dr. Chih-Tsung Weng, NCU President Shuh-San Jou, Vice President Wen-Yih Chen, Library Director Ying-Fen Kao, and colleagues from both institutions, all gathering to witness this significant milestone in their collaboration.

Acting Director-General Dr. Chih-Tsung Weng stated that the NCL has long been dedicated to the collection, preservation, and digitization of precious documents. Through systematic organization and the application of digital technology, rare historical materials are properly preserved and made more accessible to researchers and the public. This partnership with NCU continues the mission of cultural heritage preservation and further promotes the openness and sharing of academic resources. The documents slated for digitization include significant works such as The Inspection Report of Ruifang and Jinguashi Mines, Geological Survey Report of the Tatun Volcano Group, and Manufacturing Methods of Plantation White Sugar. These materials cover Taiwan’s mining development, geological surveys, and sugar industry technology during the Japanese colonial period, reflecting the industrial policies and developmental context of the time. They serve as vital historical sources for the study of modern Taiwanese history.

NCU President Shuh-San Jou remarked that NCU and the NCL share common values, placing great importance on library collections and the legacy of publishing—preserving and transmitting knowledge so that it can be utilized by a broader audience. In the future, these resources will be accessible through platforms such as the "Taiwan eBook" and "Taiwan Memory" systems, facilitating academic research and cultural transmission for researchers and the general public alike.

Both parties expressed that this collaboration will jointly advance the digitization and archiving of rare ancient books. Not only will this contribute to the long-term preservation of cultural assets, but it will also expand data accessibility and application via digital platforms, enhancing public understanding of Taiwan's history and culture. Moving forward, both institutions will continue to deepen their cooperation and expand the exchange of archival and research resources.

The National Central Library will continue to strengthen its partnerships with various collecting institutions to promote the digital archiving and open utilization of precious documents. By ensuring that cultural heritage is preserved and widely disseminated, the NCL aims to continuously enrich Taiwan’s cultural memory and academic resources.