• 2015-07-03

The National Central Library(NCL)’s “The Establishment of Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies (TRCCS)—Global Promotion of Chinese Studies of the National Central Library, R.O.C. (Taiwan)” was awarded the “2015 Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Project” by the American Library Association (ALA). The NCL representative was present to receive the framed citation from Courtney Young, ALA President, at the ALA Annual Conference in San Francisco on Monday June 29, 2015.

ALA was established in 1876 in Philadelphia and is the oldest, largest, and most influential library association. This award began as an ALA Presidential initiative of Dr. Loriene Roy, ALA President in 2007-2008. Its purpose is to encourage innovative services in the international library community. ALA’s International Relations Round Table is responsible for reviewing recommendations. NCL’s TRCCS innovative service was one of four awards given out this year by ALA.

For many years the NCL has exchanged publications—both books and periodicals—with more than 600 academic institutions in over 80 countries in an effort to promote quality publications from Taiwan. To promote Taiwanese-styled Chinese culture, beginning in 2012 NCL used its global publication exchange network as a foundation upon which to formulate a four-year project to promote Chinese studies internationally. This entailed establishing Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies (TRCCS) service points in major research institutions and university libraries throughout the world, transforming traditional service models and increasing the scope of people being served. Each year NCL evaluates academic institutions with a high number of sinologists and inadequate resources for Chinese studies, then discusses with them regarding establishing a designated space within their library for a TRCCS. Up to now, such resource centers have been set up in 14 countries, including America, England, France, Germany, Holland, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Japan, Russia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. See the TRCCS website for further details (http://trccs.ncl.edu.tw).

The four main reasons NCL’s “The Establishment of Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies” won an award are: 

1.For establishing the TRCCS (Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies) that provides a point-to-point customized service model for the library community and creates a platform for sharing academic resources globally in the field of Chinese studies.

2.For initiating interlibrary cooperation among partner libraries by resource sharing: co-hosting professional and scholarly activities; and personnel training.

3.For promoting international exchange and cultural understanding and improving the interaction between Chinese studies institutions and libraries worldwide.

4. For increasing the potential for sustainability in supporting the Chinese teaching and research programs all over the world.