• 2015-08-06

Since the year 2007, every two years, the NCL organizes the "International Workshop for Professional Librarians” to promote exchanges with global East Asian Libraries and Chinese Studies research institutions. Librarians from different countries are invited to come to Taiwan. This year, in a particular manner, the workshop unites “Cross-Straits Preservation of ancient Chinese books” Conference as well. Hence the theme of the workshop is set as "From ancient times to the present: Preservation of ancient Chinese books and development of contemporary Chinese digital resources ". The workshop is held at the NCL from August 4 to 9, 2015.

This year sees an enthusiastic response from various sectors. Even before registration was open, there were many inquiries from librarians. Originally, the yearly quota was set to 30 but 52 registered, a substantial increase of 1.7%. Although some of them strongly regretted not being able to come due to family impediments, eventually, 40 participants from 10 countries / regions came making a record high of participation.

This year some participants who already joined the previous workshops registered again. For the first time, there are librarians from the European region such as Leiden University Library, the Netherlands and the Bavarian State Library, Munich, Germany. These two libraries also have cooperation agreement with NCL in setting up the “Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies”. Both are considered the main hub in Chinese Studies in Europe.

Moreover, Deputy Director Thomas Tabery of the Oriental and Asia Department, Bavarian State Library is one of the lecturers. He will speak on the situation of Chinese Collections in German Libraries.

It seems obvious that the efforts of the NCL to promote Chinese Studies overseas are positively confirmed thereby successfully expanding its influence and visibility in Europe as well as around the world.