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  • 2014-11-03
NCL and the Bavarian State Library in Germany Establish a Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies
NCL and the Bavarian State Library in Germany Establish a Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies

At 3 pm on November 3, 2014 in Munich, Germany, National Central Library(NCL)’s Director-general Shu-hsien Tseng and Deputy Director General of the Bavarian State Library(BSB) Klaus Ceynowa cooperative signed a memorandum for a Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies(TRCCS). And the opening ceremony followed as well. Such agreement was witnessed by Representative Hwa-Yue Chen from the Taipei Representative Office in Germany, Director Wei-Ta Chang from the Taipei Representative Office in Munich, the headmaster and teachers of the Chinese Taipei School in Munich, officials from the BSB’s public relations department, the head of the Oriental and Asian Department, professors from the University of Munich, and many sinologists.

Taiwan and Germany have developed a close interaction for many years. From 1992, 36 scholars have been awarded a research fellowship to conduct research in Taiwan. The BSB is an important partner of NCL. Last time discussions took place between the two library directors on future cooperative endeavors was November 2011. In 2012, Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa came to Taiwan and signed a cooperative agreement with the NCL. In 2013, he also came back to Taiwan to participate in NCL’s 80th anniversary and share innovations in reader services. This year, the collaboration further established a resource platform for promoting Chinese studies.
Taiwan’s “Center for Chinese Studies” was established in 1981. It is co-managed by NCL and has achieved much in terms of the acquisition of Chinese study materials, dynamic reporting, publication of books and journals, establishment of databases, awarding of foreign scholar grants, and holding scholarly events. It is well recognized by the academic community both in Taiwan and abroad. To further promote international scholarly exchange, in 2012 NCL began actively working with prestigious universities and important Chinese studies institutions to establish TRCCS, with the hope that it will expand scholarly resources in Taiwan Chinese studies, enlarge the scope of exchange between Taiwan and sinologists abroad, and increase the tolerance between different cultures.

Germany is an important hub in Chinese studies. The BSB in Munich is one of the world’s most important libraries. By 2013 its collections currently comprise almost 10 million books and 63,400 current periodicals in electronic or printed form, as well as 1,008,400 e-books. Moreover, it has a rich resource of ancient Chinese books and experts in preserving and maintaining such books. In fact, the digitization of ancient works began early on here and is very professional. The BSB’s scanning robotic is a sight to behold. The total collection comprises 9.5 million digitalized book pages and around 4 million images.

Opposite of the BSB is the University of Munich, the first university after World War II to establish a Chinese studies department. Its main research emphases are Chinese philosophy and pre-Qin history, literature, archeology, geography, and ethnic groups. Beginning in 1995, it began strengthening ties with the BSB to co-sponsor research projects.

The assistance and support of the BSB, Representative Agnes Hwa-Yue Chen, and the Taipei Representative Office in Germany were catalysts in bringing about the 11th TRCCS. Not only will it enrich the library’s holdings, but also will provide the neighboring University of Munich’s Institute of Sinology needed research resources and increase interest in Taiwan studies. Furthermore, it will extend the service scope of the TRCCS, making it a win-win-win situation.

During Director-general Tseng’s remarks, she especially thanked all involved for their concerted effort in turning a new page in the history of NCL’s overseas efforts in spreading Chinese studies. Director-general Tseng also stated that NCL has continued to hold talks with other countries to establish other centers and those 12 centers in total should be established by the end of the year. These centers help promote Taiwan’s achievements in scholarly research and publication, as well as increase opportunities for international exchange.

After the ceremony, Director-general Tseng donated replicas of the Annotated Poetry of Su Dongpo, a national treasure of the Republic of China that is more than 800 years old, and the Tai Gu Yi Yin. It is hoped that these donations will add to the BSB’s collection, serve as a witness to this historic moment in collaboration between the two libraries, and provide opportunities for further collaboration.

Each year NCL will choose quality books, journals, audio-video materials, and electronic resources from Taiwan to donate to the Resource Centers. This will not only provide the faculty and researchers at the BSB and the neighboring University of Munich’s Institute of Sinology with many important resources in Chinese studies, but also will aid in promoting scholarly exchanges. Moreover, it will allow more people to read good books published in Taiwan and the rich online material for Chinese studies, showing forth the results of Taiwan’s efforts in promoting Chinese studies.

Last Update Time:2015-11-17
  • Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa takes the group from NCL on a tour of the library after the signing ceremony.
    Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa takes the group from NCL on a tour of the library after the signing ceremony.
  • Director-general Tseng, Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa and staffs pose for a group photo after the opening ceremony.
    Director-general Tseng, Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa and staffs pose for a group photo after the opening ceremony.
  • The TRCCS is unveiled at the BSB.
    The TRCCS is unveiled at the BSB.
  • All the honorable guests move to the East European, Oriental and Asian Reading Room to attend the opening ceremony.
    All the honorable guests move to the East European, Oriental and Asian Reading Room to attend the opening ceremony.
  • All honored guests pose for a group photo after the signing ceremony.
    All honored guests pose for a group photo after the signing ceremony.
  • A short introductory video on the Taiwan Resource for Chinese studies was played after the signing ceremony.
    A short introductory video on the Taiwan Resource for Chinese studies was played after the signing ceremony.
  • Director-general Tseng and Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa sign a cooperative memorandum and exchange gifts during the opening ceremony.
    Director-general Tseng and Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa sign a cooperative memorandum and exchange gifts during the opening ceremony.
  • Remarks by Director-general Tseng, Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa and Representative Hwa-Yue Chen at the opening ceremony.
    Remarks by Director-general Tseng, Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa and Representative Hwa-Yue Chen at the opening ceremony.
  • Deputy Head Thomas Tabery of the Oriental and East Asia Department poses for a photo before the ceremony.
    Deputy Head Thomas Tabery of the Oriental and East Asia Department poses for a photo before the ceremony.
  • Director-general Tseng and Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa pose for a group photo before the ceremony. Director Wei-Ta Chang makes small talk with Professor Jiehua Cai before the ceremony. Both countries' flags in conference hall.
    Director-general Tseng and Deputy Director General Klaus Ceynowa pose for a group photo before the ceremony. Director Wei-Ta Chang makes small talk with Professor Jiehua Cai before the ceremony. Both countries' flags in conference hall.