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  • 2014-10-03
National Central Library Spreads Taiwan’s Cultural Soft Power:“Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies” Established at University of Washington and “Taiwan Lectures on Chinese Studies” & “Traditional and Modern Music of Taiwan” Exhibition Held
National Central Library Spreads Taiwan’s Cultural Soft Power:“Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies” Established at University of Washington and “Taiwan Lectures on Chinese Studies” & “Traditional and Modern Music of Taiwan” Exhibition Held

National Central Library (NCL), in response to the government’s promotion of Taiwan Academies, holds “Taiwan Lectures on Chinese Studies” each year at different locations across the world. In addition, NCL also organizes exhibitions abroad and establishes Taiwan Resource Centers for Chinese Studies (TRCCS) to expand the visibility and influence of Taiwan research in Chinese studies on the world stage. On October 2, 2014, the eighth TRCCS was established at the University of Washington East Asia Library in Seattle. A memorandum of collaboration was signed by NCL’s Director-general Tseng and University of Washington’s Dean of Libraries Lizabeth (Betsy) Wilson during the opening ceremony. In addition, there will be a two-month long exhibition on “Traditional and Modern Music of Taiwan.”
The East Asia Library at the University of Washington was established 77 years ago in 1937. It is one of the most important East Asia libraries in America. It is also a central and influential hub of Chinese studies, having gotten its start early on. The establishment of this newest TRCCS was made possible by the support and assistance of the University of Washington and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle, as well as generous donations by the local Chinese community. In her remarks, Director-general Tseng specifically thanked these different entities for their assistance and further stated that NCL is in current talks with other institutions regarding the possibility of establishing even more centers. It is estimated that there will be 12 centers in total before the end of the year, thus extending the reach of academic research and publications coming from Taiwan, as well as increasing opportunities for international exchange.
Taiwan’s “Center for Chinese Studies” was established in 1981. It is co-managed by National Central Library 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.
The TRCCS at the University of Washington was filled with research materials in art, life, literature, and movies. During the opening ceremony, Director-general Tseng presented the University of Washington a reproduction of a Taiwan national treasure that is more than 800 years old—the Annotated Poems of Su Dongpo. Not only does this add to their holdings, it also serves as a witness of the historic event and paves the way for continued collaboration in the future.


The opening ceremony was accompanied by Taiwan Lectures on Chinese Studies, with Professor Shih-hui Chen from the Shepherd School of Music of Rice University speaking on “Messages from Taiwan: Recreating Tradition through Musical Composition”. Her representative works “Dharma Drum Mountain’s Great Compassion Water and Land Dharma Service,” “Returning Souls,” “A Plea to Lady Chang'e for String Quartet and Nanguan Pipa,” as well as the ongoing “musical storyteller” “Tjuwabal Paiwan Tribe Back & Forth Letter”. The later exhibits the rich multicultural nature of Taiwan’s musical culture, shares the joining of music and society, and contains her insights into writing and composing “Taiwanese work”.


In addition, in conjunction with the lecture theme, NCL will also hold a two-month exhibition entitled “Traditional and Modern Music of Taiwan” at UW from October 2 to December 12. On display are 79 volumes and 92 audiovisual files of modern, traditional, pop, aboriginal, and Hakka musical selections and musicians. These are a great sampling of popular music in Taiwan and give fuel to Taiwan’s global cultural exchange.

Last Update Time:2015-11-17
  • Dr. Robin's witty introduction of  the exhibition of  Traditional and Modern Music of Taiwan is highly appreciated by the participants.
    Dr. Robin's witty introduction of the exhibition of Traditional and Modern Music of Taiwan is highly appreciated by the participants.
  • The Taiwan Lectures on Chinese Studies by professor Shih-hui Chen fill the seats.
    The Taiwan Lectures on Chinese Studies by professor Shih-hui Chen fill the seats.
  • Remarks by honored guests at the opening ceremony
    Remarks by honored guests at the opening ceremony
  • Remarks by honored guests at the opening ceremony
    Remarks by honored guests at the opening ceremony
  • The Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies is unveiled at University of Washington
    The Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies is unveiled at University of Washington
  • NCL’s Director General Tseng and University of Washington’s Dean of Libraries Lizabeth (Betsy) Wilson sign a  memorandum of collaboration during the opening ceremony.
    NCL’s Director General Tseng and University of Washington’s Dean of Libraries Lizabeth (Betsy) Wilson sign a memorandum of collaboration during the opening ceremony.
  • At the “Traditional and Modern Music of Taiwan.”
    At the “Traditional and Modern Music of Taiwan.”
  • Staffs work hard to set up the  Exhibition of Traditional and Modern Music of Taiwan.
    Staffs work hard to set up the Exhibition of Traditional and Modern Music of Taiwan.
  • Director General Tseng prepares for the opening ceremony of Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies
    Director General Tseng prepares for the opening ceremony of Taiwan Resource Center for Chinese Studies